Creep Feeding Calculator

This calculator is intended to assist producers to determine whether creep feeding will be economically beneficial to the operation. Often, the decision is based solely on "the weight gain" expected. This calculator will show the economic gain expected.
 
Current calf weight lb  
Predicted calf value $/lb  
Target days on creep  
Feed conversion * (a value between 2 and 30)  
Creep feed cost ¢/lb delivered (for example 4.5)  
Creep feeder value **   $/year  
Creep feed intake lb/head/day  
Herd size # of calves  

* Feed conversion of the creep feed varies greatly between feed types, and between animal types. On average, protein creep feeds, those with protein between 30 and 45%, have conversion between 2.5:1 and 4:1. Commercial creep feeds, balanced in protein and energy have feed conversion between 4:1 and 7:1. Energy creep feed, or straight grain creep feed, have feed conversions typically between 8:1 and 15:1, although 30:1 has been documented.
**  Creep feeder value is the purchase price of the feeder taken over the life expectancy of the feeder plus an annual depreciation and repair cost.
This information maintained by Barry Yaremcio
Document Last/Reviewed February 8, 2002