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(part 2: What does the creep feed cost? ) |
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The value of each added pound of calf gain has been established to be generally between 45 and 65 cents per pound. The average expected value of added gain is about 55 cents per pound. The next step in determining the feasibility of creep feeding is to evaluate the costs of the creep feed inputs. In order to address the cost factors, it is important to understand the amount of creep grain that will be consumed for each additional pound of gain. Feed conversions of calves fed creep feeds have been quite variable to say the least. Conversions of 5:1 or 5 pounds of grain consumed to 1 extra pound of calf weight are the optimum that can be expected when producers are using a "typical" high energy creep feed. Conversions may get as poor as 15:1 in some situations. Therefore it is obvious that several factors come in to play to determine the amount of creep feed that is consumed for each additional pound of gain. Cows that give large amounts of milk to their calves will provide enough protein and energy to meet the growth potential of their calves. In that scenario, it is reasonable to assume that the feed conversion from creep feeding could be quite poor (10:1 or worse). If however the milk production of the cows is limited for any reason, then the added energy and protein from the creep feed provides needed nutrients to allow calves to reach closer to their genetic maximum capability. Calves from poor milking cows may convert the creep feed at a rate of about 7 pounds of feed for each pound of additional calf weight. Poor milking can be a result of genetically low milk production or restricted nutritional status. Nutritional restriction due to drought situations often adversely affect milk production and therefore calf weaning weights. Shortened hay supplies and reduced standing forage due to drought or severe winter weather often set the stage for the best results from creep feeding. Below is a table of potential feed conversions of creep feeds and the break even price per ton by which the feed must be purchased and fed. Some additional costs per ton must be included to cover expenses of hauling feed and depreciation and repair of creep feeders. This table assumes that the value of each added pound of calf weight is worth 55 cents. Expected break-even cost per ton of buying and feeding creep feeds to
nursing calves at different feed conversion rates.
Feed Conversion Break even price per Ton |
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