Getting beef calves to gain weight as efficiently as possible is every producer’s goal, and creep feeding calves can help achieve that. Two main types of creep systems are used: creep grazing and creep feeding a concentrate-based supplement. Creep grazing pastures can add pounds to a calf’s weaning weight. In creep grazing, nursing calves either graze fields before the cows, getting first choice of the more luscious, higher quality pasture, or they have access to different pastures that cows cannot graze.

Creep grazing is generally less expensive than creep feeding grain, requiring less labor and being more convenient. The actual stocking density will depend on the land production potential, forage type, fertility, and season. Calves 3 to 4 months of age are less dependent on the cow for milk, and high quality forage provides a substantial percentage of their nutrients.

Creep grazing can be accomplished by allowing access to a special pasture through an opening large enough for calves, but too small for cows to get through. These gates generally range from 15 to 18 inches in width and 36 to 42 inches in height. A special pasture with high quality forage can be set aside strictly for this purpose. When starting to creep graze, it may be helpful to allow both cows and calves into the special pasture for a short period of time. The calves will return to the high quality forage after cows have been removed due to their growing independence and natural curiosity.

Another method often used is to position an electric fence high enough (36 to 42 inches) for calves to pass under while still deterring cows from jumping over or going under. This method works well in a rotational grazing system where the calves can advance to an adjacent paddock under the fence where forages are higher quality before rotating the cows to that paddock.

The type of forage or forage combinations that are best suited for creep grazing will vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Summer annuals can be established in tillable areas. Millet, sudangrass, and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids grow rapidly and produce high quality forage in a short amount of time and are best grazed from July to September. Forages, such as alfalfa and red clover, can be used in creep grazing from April until September 15th and then from November on into winter. Small grains such as oats, wheat, rye and triticale can be used during October and November and again in early spring for winter hardy varieties. Annual ryegrass is best grazed from March until May.

Creep grazing calves is an effective way to help increase weaning weights and is generally less expensive than creep feeding. However, creep feeding grain might be an economical option for many this year due to lower grain prices and dry conditions throughout the state. Contact your local extension agent about what could work best for your operation, and the steps you could take to utilize creep grazing in the future.

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Fall
Grazing Considerations