Maximizing Herd Performance with Strategic Creep Feeding

As cow/calf pairs transition to pasture during the spring and early summer months, overall feed demand typically slows. However, this seasonal shift presents a strategic opportunity to support calf development and enhance herd performance through a targeted creep feeding program.
Our Accuration® program is specifically designed to bridge the nutritional gap calves often face during this period of rapid growth. Accuration® contains an intake modifier that promotes "snack eating," encouraging calves to consume smaller, more frequent meals. This helps ensure steady intake, supports efficient growth, and contributes to overall calf health.
The 80/20 Accuration®, comprised of 80% finely ground corn and 20% Accuration®, is introduced through creep feeders beginning as early as two months of age. Early implementation helps calves maintain consistent growth rates and sets the foundation for early weaning, particularly as forage quality declines later in the summer.
In addition to improving calf performance, creep feeding offers a significant benefit to the cow. Reducing lactation demands helps cows maintain or regain body condition post-calving, better positioning them for a successful breeding season.

Feed Trial Report – Angus Calves | Leon, KS 

We recently conducted a feed trial involving 86 Angus calves born in November and late December, in collaboration with a customer located in the Leon area. On March 7th, initial weights were recorded to monitor feed intake and average daily gain (ADG). At the start of the trial, the calves had an average weight of 257 lbs. Notably, 15 of the calves weighed under 200 lbs, and as expected, these younger calves did not perform as well, which slightly reduced the overall performance metrics.
Three creep feeders were placed in the pasture, each filled with 3 tons of 80/20 Accuration®. After 70 days, on May 17th, the calves were weighed again, showing an average weight of 430 lbs. This represents a total average gain of 172 lbs, with an ADG of 2.46 lbs/day.
Throughout the trial, the group consumed a total of 29,500 lbs of 80/20 Accuration®  at a cost of $0.1432/lb. Average feed intake per head per day was 4.90 lbs, right on target at approximately 1% of body weight. The resulting total cost of gain was $0.2851/lb.
Historically, this customer weaned calves in early September and sold them straight off the cow. However, with this feeding program, the calves were weaned on May 17th and have since been maintained on 80/20 Accuration®, Availa® 4 mineral tubs, and pasture. They are now scheduled to go on sale on July 1st, two months earlier than in previous years.

Customer Testimonial Summary

During a recent conversation, the customer expressed a high level of satisfaction with his results. He noted a noticeable improvement in the body condition of his cows, which have rebounded more quickly than in previous seasons.
The customer feeds MKC Optimal 7% with Availa® 4 loose mineral as part of his nutrition program. During pregnancy checks, only one cow was found open, significantly fewer than the usual six to seven open cows he typically experiences.
He has also started his first-calf heifers on 80/20 Accuration®, citing proven results as his reason for doing so. He explained that first-calf heifer calves tend to be smaller, and his goal is to support more efficient growth so these calves can catch up with the rest of the herd. This strategy helps minimize sorting at the time of sale.
Article provided by Barbie Johnson, Feed Sales Marketer