Starting calf on feed when still on the cow?

[Davidsonranch]

How early do people introduce a grain / textured food to possible show or market calves when they are still on the cow?  As soon as possible?  Advantages / disadvantages?

 

[cattleboy]

If the calf is starting to chew on something, I don't think it would be a bad idea to give them something. Usually they won't eat enough to really make a difference but it gets them used to dry feed. Also, it puts less stress on the momma cow. Last year I had a cow/calf pair at the fair. The calf was only about a month old and he started to nibble on grain at the fair.

 

[cowcrazy]

We have a pen with a creep feeder in it. Normally our calves start eating creep at about a month old. By the time they are ready to be weaned, they are eating really well and have started to fill out. I think it is easier on the calves too.

 

[Doc]

Yea, I put feed in the creep feeder so they can start nibbling on it whenever they want to. It does make it easier when you wean them.