If calves are taught to eat a ration from a bunk/creep feeder prior to weaning, morbidity and mortality are reduced once the calves are weaned. The quicker calves are eating after weaning, the healthier they seem to be and stay. Also, if there is a need to medicate the calves through the feed after weaning, calves already know how to eat and it is much easier to get the medication in them. Some producers have offered creep feed to calves 3 to 4 weeks prior to weaning to teach them eat. Producers that have used this management practice indicate, based on records, that they treat fewer calves post-weaning. Because most producers retain calves for some time after weaning, this is a management practice that can reduce morbidity and mortality.
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