creep feeding

[cjr]

What type of feed puts the bloom on the calves when you are creep feeding. High protein low fat feed or High fat low protein feed.

 

[Aussie]

I always use high protein low fat

 

[OLD WORLD SHORTIE]

i would say that the protein is more important, its really important to bone and muscle development. I like the idea of mixing in calf manna with the creep, it really provides lots of extra bloom to the calves.

 

[ploughshare]

Cattle are not really built to handle a lot of dietary fat.  Is the creep for an entire pasture or as a diet for growing and marketing show  calves?  In a creep ration, you should focus on developing the calf in terms of protein, energy, minerals, vitamins etc. Bloom, in my experience, is related to all of that.  Fat could serve a part in supplying energy, but high amounts will limit rumen function and I might guess that high fat could delay rumen development if introduced too early. I do not feed a high fat creep or add oil to a growing calf's diet.  I am not sure if you are asking about adding fats and oils directly or if you want to use high oil ingredients.  I have used high oil corn and extruded beans in limited amounts with lactating cows and in show rations. To answer your question, I would  focus on protein without regard to fat.  If you need a good creep look up AAOK's creep ration on this board.  His WORKS and you can afford to feed it to an entire pasture if you feel the need.