Effect of creep feeding oat grain to beef calves on their growth rate, carcase composition and post-weaning performance in a feedlot

Abstract

Autumn and spring born Hereford calves grazing together with their dams were offered a ration of oaten grain ad libitum in a creep enclosure to which only the calves had access from November to weaning. Similar groups received no oat ration. At weaning the heifers of each age were slaughtered and carcase characteristics were determined. The steers were placed in a feedlot and given a ration of hay and grain until they attained an unfasted weight of 340 kg. The creep fed calves maintained their earlier growth rates after taking the creep ration, whereas the growth rate of the unfed controls declined from this time. Time of birth, creep feeding and sex all affected liveweight gain to weaning. Creep feeding increased the carcase weight of the heifers and also affected dressing percentage, eye muscle area, fat thickness and chemical composition. Creep feeding prior to weaning did not influence the average daily weight gains or feed efficiency of steers subsequently fed a fattening ration in a feedlot but it greatly shortened the feeding period to attain the desired market weight. However, the reduction in feed required would be insufficient to compensate for the oats given during creep feeding. The economics of creep feeding will depend on the price of grain in relation to the value of weaned calves in slaughter condition.