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Enhancing Calf Growth through Creep Grazing Practices
Creep grazing is a management strategy that reserves better quality forage for calves, allowing them to benefit from higher protein content and improved digestibility, which leads to better growth rates at weaning. Implementing creep grazing involves setting up a designated area, often using a creek gate to restrict access for cows while allowing calves to graze on superior pastures. Enhancements can include fertilizing grass or using diverse mixtures like cover crops, such as sorghum sedan or millet, to maintain forage quality. In Oklahoma, for instance, native grasses may not provide adequate protein later in the summer; thus, introducing improved grasses like Bermuda becomes beneficial. This practice helps sustain calf weight gain by offering them exclusive access to high-quality forage, ultimately increasing the profitability of cattle operations and improving overall calf health and weight at weaning.