Are you wondering when to use creep feeders during spring calving season?

Spring calving brings new life and heavy responsibilities to your farm. As your calves grow, their nutritional needs quickly outpace what their mother’s milk and spring pastures can provide. Creep feeding solves this problem. It gives nursing calves access to high-quality supplemental feed while safely keeping mature cows out. Knowing exactly when to start this process helps you maximize calf growth and herd profitability.

Here are the key benefits and the best timing for using creep feeders during spring calving season:

• Start at three to four weeks: Introduce creep feed when your calves are three to four weeks old. At this stage, their rumens begin developing and can properly digest solid grains.
• Bridge the nutrition gap: A cow’s milk production peaks around two months after calving and then drops. Creep feed fills this upcoming nutritional void perfectly.
• Boost weaning weights: Calves that receive early supplemental feed consistently weigh more at weaning time. Heavier calves deliver a much better return on your investment.
• Reduce stress on cows: Creep feeding takes significant pressure off first-calf heifers and thin cows. It helps them maintain a healthy body condition score for the next breeding cycle.
• Smooth the weaning transition: Calves already accustomed to eating grain from a feeder experience much less stress and weight loss during the final weaning process.

When you are ready to start your calves on a strong nutritional program, visit H&S Feed and Country Store. We offer durable Apache Creep Feeders for both rent and purchase to bring self-feeding convenience to your pasture. Pair your new feeder with premium Purina Calf Starters to optimize your herd’s immune systems. Grab your bagged feed at our Oskaloosa or Indianola locations, or order a custom grain mix from our Diamond Trail Feed mill. Stop by H&S Feed today and set your spring calves up for total success.