Economics of Creep Feeding a Spring Calving Beef Herd in the Nebraska Sandhills

A 3-yr experiment using crossbred March-calving cows (5/8 Red Angus, 3/8 Simmental, n=120), evaluated effects of creep feeding calves in the Nebraska Sandhills. Cows (479 ± 57 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 creep feed treatments from July 15 to Nov 1: unrestricted access to creep feed containing an intake limiter (Accuration, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Gray Summit, MO) or no access to creep feed. Calves on creep treatment were introduced and divided into pastures containing feeders with 8 openings, 38 cm wide, to prevent cow entry. The experimental unit was cows randomly assigned to one of the two pastures that were feed creep feed. Steers remained on ad libitum hay for 2 wk post weaning, then transported to a feedlot at the West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte, NE. Steers received Synovex Choice (100 mg trenbolone acetate [TBA], 14 mg estradiol benzoate [EB]) and BW was measured at feedlot entry. Steers were re-implanted with Synovex Plus (200 mg TBA, 24 mg EB) and BW measured 105 d later (110 d prior to harvest). Steers were adapted over 21 d to finishing diet (48% dry-rolled corn, 40 % wet corn gluten, 7% ground alfalfa hay and 5% supplement [DM basis]). Carcass data was collected 24 h following slaughter and final BW was calculated from HCW based on dressing percentage of 63%. Calf BW at 2 mo of age was similar (P < 0.11; 72 vs 75 ± 3, creep vs no creep) between treatments. Creep-fed calves had a heavier weaning BW compared with non-creep calves (P < 0.01; 250 vs 230 ±7 kg). Creep feeding did not affect (P > 0.06) yield grade, LM area, or marbling. Creep-fed steers had greater HCW than non-creep steers (P < 0.04, 379 vs 367 ± 21 kg), and12^th rib fat (P < 0.01; 1.50 vs 1.30 ± .08). Creep feed consumption averaged 1.75 kg/d, increasing ADG approximately 0.22 kg. Feed efficiency was 3.83 kg feed per 1 kg gain. Creep feed costs averaged $63.49/calf ($0.37/kg creep feed). Labor, equipment, transportation, and depreciation increased creep feeding costs to $91.87/calf. Considering market and price slide for calf BW over the study period resulted in a net loss of $71.05 if calves were sold at weaning and a loss of $45.57 if sold at slaughter. Within this study, increased kg of calf was not offset by cost of creep feed.