Lambs which are fed on creep feed should have a greater growth rate and finish faster than lambs which have not been creep fed.
The introduction of creep feed induces the development of the rumen and can reduce the post weaning nutritional stress. Creep feeding can be seen as a cost, however, a lamb is more efficient earlier in life resulting in greater growth rates.
Why Creep Feeding Is Important...
Young lambs should have the best start to life. The first few weeks of life is when a young animal will convert the most efficiently if the health and nutritional factors are correct.
If forage quality is poor or if the grazing is limited then creep feeding is an option to meet the growth rate targets for lambs. There are many advantages to feeding creep to lambs such as finishing faster, receiving a better price and a better transition at weaning.
It is important to feed creep when it is needed otherwise it can be a cost to the business. AHDB Beef & Lamb found that when lambs were on well managed, re-seeded grazing ground , the key performance indicators matched the lambs on creep feed and permanent pasture. Creep feed will not improve performance when sward heights are greater than 4-6cm, but it will be a cost.
Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE)
Introducing feed earlier to a lamb is more economical because of the better conversion rate. FCE can vary between 5:1 to 10:1, with 10:1 being more efficient in production and economics.
Introduction of Creep Feed...
Lambs which are introduced to creep feed at 2-3 weeks old can be expected to eat 40-50kg per lamb by the time they come to the point of sale, if offered ad-lib and a sward height of 4cm. If the grazing is restricted but creep is available, these lambs are expected to gain 1kg extra for every 5-6kgs of creep eaten, compared to lambs which haven't been crept.
Introduce creep to older lambs gradually to reduce the problem of lambs gorging and dietary upset.
Allowing lambs into fresh grazing before the ewes by using a creep gate can avoid the need to use creep feed. This is know as forward creep grazing.
DN Lamb Products...
DN Progressive Rumistart
Progressive Rumistart is a high specification 3mm pellet designed for feeding to lambs and calves from 3 days of age.
DN Lamb Finisher
Suitable for taking lambs from start to finish, Lamb finisher is a fully mineralised 3mm pellet with fairly high levels of a range of starch and sugar sources to encourage an efficient growth.
DN Pro-Start
Pro-Start is a highly palatable coarse mix, designed for feeding to calves and lambs. The highly molassed coarse mix contains 3 in 1 protein pellets and 50% flakes.
DN Intensive Lamb
Intensive Lamb is a fully mineralised 6mm nut with fairly high levels of a range of starch and sugar sources to encourage an efficient growth. Suitable for taking lambs from start to finish.
DN Super Lamb
DN Super Lamb is a 6mm fully mineralised nut containing 15% protein.
DN Alka Gain
Alka Gain is a 6mm fully mineralised nut, with no supplemental copper.
3mm Pellet Pro-Start 6mm Nut
For more information please contact your local DN Sales Specialist or call us on 01200 420200.