? about creep feed philosophy

[flacowman]

We have always fed an approximately 18% protein 4% fat feed for creep feed but recently I have been thinking about a more concentrated feed with the theory that the calves will get more raw nutrients from a more concentrated feed while needing to eat less.  Am I on the right track or would it burn their stomachs?

 

[thebulllady]

I don't think more concentrated would be a good idea.  We've had good success with a basic sweet feed mix for the creep feeder, and the calves turn out great.  The ones we decide to show are changed to a show ration at weaning, and the others stay on the basic feed.. which makes them grow out into good replacement heifers.  We mix our feed with a cotton product that is 20% protein and 13% fat, but don't feed it straight.

 

[Cattledog]

Actually, creep feeding is pretty inefficient as the calves stomachs aren't developed enough to utilize the creep available.  I've read that it takes up to 5 months for all of their stomachs to fully develop and be able to utilize the grain like an older animal would.  I would stick with what you're doing.  I feed a pretty fluffy creep myself and my calves wean off well.

 

[SRC]

We're feeding a 22% protein ration with decox. mixed with a mixed grain ration that consists of (50% cracked corn, and the oither 50% is made up of about half whole oats, barley and wheat.) What are your opinions on that ration?