Growing Beef Newsletter
July 2025, Volume 16, Issue 1
Don’t let an ROI ~creep~ on by
Beth Reynolds, IBC program specialist
“Is creep feed worth it?” This is a common question our extension beef specialists hear. Unsurprisingly, our answer is “it depends.” However, this summer, producers are facing record high calf prices, with moderate feed prices. That combination makes creep feeding an appealing prospect. For example, if creep costs $400/ton of dry matter delivered, and the calves realize a conservative feed to gain ratio of 9:1, the feed cost for adding one pound of gain is $1.80. Far less than the predicted $3.00 - $3.50/lb for feeder calves this fall.
While each operation is unique, there are a few consistent factors to consider when determining if the benefits outweigh the costs: 1) Calf price and value of added weight; 2) Feed cost; 3) Feed conversion; 4) Labor; and 5) if calves are sold or retained to breed or feed. We’ll work backwards through these considerations.
5 - If calves are sold, bred or fed. For replacement heifers, feeding creep has shown to negatively impact mammary development and subsequent milk production when heifer calves gain ~2 pounds a day or more. Heifer weight gain should be considered, especially for creep feeding periods that are over 30 days. If retaining calves through the finishing phase, creep feeding has shown a positive impact on final marbling scores. Additionally, creep feed is considered an effective option to ease the transition for freshly weaned calves starting on feed. On the flip side, non-creep calves will realize some compensatory gain after weaning compared to their creep fed counterparts.
4 - Labor (and other costs). Providing a creep feed will increase labor, to some extent. Rotational grazers need to move the feeder every time animals are moved, in addition to the time required to fill the feeder. Even those with co-ops that deliver creep to the feeder will need to move the feeder to an accessible location for a feed delivery truck, which might not be ideal placement for the feeder in the pasture. All of these tasks take time, and the time needed should be valued adequately when determining the ROI of creep feed. In addition to labor, overhead for purchasing feeders, fuel costs moving feeders, maintenance costs, etc. should not be overlooked.
3 - Feed conversion. There could be a whole article on just this - and you still won’t feel like there’s a good answer. A plethora of studies have evaluated creep feed with feed to gain conversions ranging from 3:1 to 1:20. Generally, the higher quality the pasture being grazed is, the worse the performance response to creep feed. The calves that will perform the best when creep feed is offered, tend to be those offered a high-quality creep on a low-quality forage base. In addition to the quality of the calves’ base diet, conversion will be dictated by the quality of the creep and calf age/weight. The makeup of the creep feed, whether it’s considered a high energy or a high protein feed also matters, and performance response will be directly influenced by how much of the most limiting nutrient in the base diet (milk + grass) is supplemented. For general planning purposes, using a 6:1 to 8:1 conversion for calves on creep for 60 days is reasonable, and can be adjusted to fit different scenarios.
2 - Feed costs. This is the simplest part of the equation in terms of things a producer can influence. Work with your nutritionist or local coop to determine what feed options are available and what makes the most sense for you. Be sure to compare the costs of feed on a cost per pound of nutrient (CP or TDN) delivered. Also consider intake limiters so that you better estimate and control how much calves will eat per day.
1 - Calf price and value of added weight. The general assumption is creep feed is more valuable as calf prices increase. While this can be true, the big picture should account for discounts fleshy/heavier calves may receive in addition to the added pounds, and compare the final price received per calf. Producers should compare the expected market price for calves receiving creep to those not receiving creep, accounting for the expected feed conversion and length of the feeding period. A projected value is needed regardless of if the producer is selling weaned calves, backgrounded calves, or retaining ownership through the feedlot or to breed.
Another consideration is pasture condition. Although creep feed will not relieve milk pressure directly as milk is more palatable than creep feeds, providing creep can offset the calves pasture consumption. Indirectly, this can help boost the quality and availability of grass for the dam.
Feed cost, calf performance, and long-term effects all come into play. To determine if creep feeding will provide a return on investment, a good cost of gain, plus other, non-financial costs and benefits need to be considered.
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