Creep Feed and Cow-Calf Performance and Its Relative Impact on Milk Production As Measured by Milk Expected Progeny Difference

Genetic trends for milk expected progeny difference (EPD) across most breeds have continued an upward trend, although direct selection pressure on milk EPD has not been an over-arching goal of seedstock breeders in recent years. Creep feeding has become very popular in the seedstock industry to maximize animal performance and to condition animals destined for a production sale. However, the animal behavior aspects of creep feeding and the individual impact on the dam’s milk EPD have rarely been studied or quantified. This study used the Super SmartFeed™ (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) to monitor calf creep feeding behavior and individual intake of creep feed during mid-to late-lactation.