Failing to creep feed suckler calves can substantially cut performance and profitability, according to KW nutritionist Sean Roddy. Roddy said this failure can extend finishing times by up to six weeks and significantly increase lifetime feed requirements.

"A calf might eat 160kg dry matter (DM) of creep feed to gain an extra 40kg liveweight pre-weaning, but the poorer feed conversion efficiency of older cattle means the same increase later on could require twice as much feed," he explains.

Calves not creep fed also suffer slower rumen development, experience greater growth checks at weaning and rely more heavily on their dam's milk, with knock-on effects for cow body condition and fertility. All are factors that reduce efficiency and increase costs.

"Creep feed ad lib from six weeks of age till weaning, then taper off as animals move onto their growing rations." Mr Roddy advises. "And make sure the ration optimises rumen development as well as growth.

"Balance home-grown cereals with additional protein and digestible fibre – British wheat distillers' feed alongside sugar beet feed or soya hulls is ideal – and include around 5% chopped straw to stimulate the rumen. A high sugar liquid feed like Rouxminate or Economol will increase palatability and intakes, whilst also reducing ration sorting and dust inhalation."