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Creep Feeding

  • 24-07-2017 1:59pm
    #1
    DaDerv
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 253 ✭✭


    Was debating starting creep feeding this year but it's not something we've ever done in the past. I have 28 calves all of which are in one lot. I'm not short on grass or milk but I noticed the calves are supplementing their diet with grass more and more lately.

    I had my vet in for the KT herd health plan last week and he suggested creep feeding as the nutrients in cows milk will drop off over summer. He says it's the norm. We've never had any issues with light calves at weaning. Perhaps not the biggest calves but far from the worst.

    I have a 12 foot creep gate I could put hanging and feed the calves in troughs at the other side. My question is, is this worthwhile? Is it too early? The calves are March, April and May born. I generally wean in November, weather dependent. Should I wait closer to that time? How many KG would you be looking at feeding?

    Probably left this a bit vague. I can try fill in any more information ye need. Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    blue5000
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 12,754 Mod ✭✭✭✭blue5000


    When do you sell? I have stopped doing it, but I don't sell weanlings.

    If the seat's wet, sit on yer hat, a cool head is better than a wet ar5e.



  • #3
    DaDerv
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 253 ✭✭DaDerv


    blue5000 wrote:
    When do you sell? I have stopped doing it, but I don't sell weanlings.

    Be selling the heaviest of last years stock around now and in the coming weeks. So on from there. I feed around 2 kg/h of Paul and Vincent beef nuts over the winter in the shed. Depending on silage quality.


  • #4
    49801
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,844 ✭✭✭49801


    Mostly a benefit comes weaning time. Knocks them back less if they are on meal already. Diet change less severe on them. Getting them creeping ahead also helps break bond between calf and cow.


  • #5
    Water John
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,808 ✭✭✭✭Water John


    Last year for weaning found the nose paddles, obtained from a boardsie, the best thing ever. Left the calves with the cows for the week, with the nose paddle, unable to suck. Not a geek out of them.
    Had started the meal, a few weeks before.


  • #6
    Farmer_3650
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 575 ✭✭✭Farmer_3650


    Water John wrote: »
    Last year for weaning found the nose paddles, obtained from a boardsie, the best thing ever. Left the calves with the cows for the week, with the nose paddle, unable to suck. Not a geek out of them.
    Had started the meal, a few weeks before.

    I saw them recently on YouTube. I thought they seemed like a great job. If you don't mind me asking, Where did you buy them and how much did they cost? PM me if you want. Also how do you put them on to the calf?


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