There are three main methods of supplementing concentrates to calves at grass while still suckling cows – introducing a creep feeder, using a creep gate and raising an electric wire to allow calves access a feeding area. The three options all have advantages and disadvantages but can also be combined and used to good effect throughout the weaning process.

There are numerous iterations of creep gates from home made types such as that shown to field gates containing creep gate sections.

Creep feeder

When it comes to options for supplementing calves with meal the creep feeder is the first port of call when it comes to ease of use. It is probably the most convenient option where small numbers are being fed an ad lib diet and there is no concerns about the volume of concentrates being fed.

However, it can have limitations where supplementing larger numbers with dominant bulls spending long periods eating and often restricting access to lighter or submissive bulls. It is also limited if trying to curtail the volume of concentrates consumed by each animal.

With free access, younger bulls can consume 3kg to 4kg concentrates daily while older bulls can eat upwards of 5kg to 6kg concentrates. In such a scenario, grass becomes a forage source.

There are a couple of cautionary tips when using a creep feeder. Cows that have been used to getting meal at any stage at grass can accumulate around the feeder when filling so ensure that you do not fall victim to being trapped against the feeder or being stood on. Ensure that the width of opening are set at the correct spacings and where feeding ad lib do not let the feeder run dry on feed for any significant period of time.

Equine PVC posts are a quick way to raise the height of electric wire to a desired level.

A raised wire used to allow calves to creep forward and be fed in troughs.

Creep gate

A creep gate works particularly well with autumn or early-spring-born weanlings that have been accustomed to similar gates before being turned out to grass.

The best scope is in a block of land where a gate can be securely restrained to a gate post and there is scope for calves to enter into the next paddock. There are also extendable gate options on the market where they can replace a field gate or act as a shorter gate which is secured on one side to the gate post and the other to the field gate on the closing side. This offers the potential to also operate creep grazing and limit volumes offered.

Raised electric fence

A raised electric fence may be a more feasible option where a rotational paddock grazing system consisting of electric wire divisions are in place. Calves become accustomed to moving ahead of cows once grass supplies in the paddock being grazed become tight and delaying moving on cows for a day can often help to encourage this practice.

Placing a trough on the other side of the fence will encourage calves to start to consume concentrates. Many farmers find that using two PVC equine posts can work well as wire can be easily raised and posts can be moved as paddocks are grazed.

This creep gate in the Abbey Greenmount farm is another option for farmers.