North Dakota State University * Dickinson Research Extension Center
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GTA Creep Block Study

James L. Nelson, Animal Scientist, and Douglas G. Landblom, Animal Scientist

In September 1992, a feeding study was started at the Dickinson Research Center to determine the intake of two "Creep Supplements" when fed to mixed breed calves pastured on native pasture in western North Dakota.

GTA provided two creep supplement types packaged in two hundred pound "tubs." One supplement contained a 14% protein high energy mix while the other contained a high protein (31%) mix.

The 14% creep was available to 39 crossbred calves grazing a 600 acre native pasture known as Pyramid Park starting on September 9, 1992 until the calves were weaned on November 5, 1992. This was a total creep period of 57 days or 2223 animal days (39X57). During this time the calves consumed 2900 pounds of the creep feed for an average daily consumption of 1.30 pounds per day. This group of calves had an average weaning weight of 585.3 pounds.

The "creep tubs" were placed inside a creep area made up of portable corral panels equipped with a gate that excluded mother cows. It was observed that the calves spent considerable time in this creep area licking and feeding the blocks. The creep enclosures were placed close to water so that the calves could stop by on their way to and from water.

The 31% creep was available to 53 crossbred calves grazing in Section 23 about six miles NW of Dickinson, N.D. The creep design was similar to the one in the Pyramid Park and was also located close to water. During the first week of October, the cows and calves in this treatment were given access to additional acreage of a harvested hay land with some small grain (oats) regrowth. Apparently this adversely affected the consumption of the creep feed, because consumption went down dramatically. However, after a couple of weeks, the calves started consuming the creep feed again. They consumed a total of 1925 pounds of creep feed in 2809 animal days for a consumption of 0.68 pounds per day. The actual weaning weight of the calves on November 2, was 526.1 pounds, almost 70 pounds less than the calves on the 14% creep.

It is difficult to explain the difference in consumption between the two groups of calves. Did the calves in Pyramid Park eat more creep because they were heavier or were they heavier because they ate more creep? Did the change in pasture on Section 23 cause a decrease in creep consumption or was the lower consumption due to the feed ingredients used in the high protein creep?

At this point in time, we can only guess as to the cause of the differences between the two creep rotations.

GTA Creep Block Study -- 1992

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