Abstract
The objective was to determine the effect of creep feeding on calf behavior before and after weaning. Cow-calf pairs (n = 54) were stratified by cow age, cow and calf BW, and allotted to 9 pastures. Pastures were randomly assigned to 3 treatments: unsupplemented control (CON), lower protein pellet (14.3% CP; LP), and a higher protein pellet (18.6% CP; HP) for 82 d. Pre-weaning calf behaviors were observed for 9 h on d 60, 64, and 74: position (standing or lying), location (pen, pasture, shade, creep), and consumption (creep, grass, milk, water, none). Post-weaning calf behaviors were observed for 12 h on d 83 and 84: position, walking, drinking, eating, and vocalizations. Prior to weaning, an interaction (P £ 0.01) occurred for consumption behaviors; CON calves spent the greatest percentage of time grazing at h 7 and 8 and not consuming at h 11. Also, LP calves had the greatest percentage of time nursing at h 8 and 11, with CON calves being intermediate, and HP calves being the least. On the day after weaning (d 83), an interaction (P = 0.02) was observed for time spent eating; CON calves spent the greatest time eating at h 10 and LP calves were the greatest at h 11. An interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for time spent walking on d 83; HP calves spent the greatest percentage of time walking at h 9 and 13. On d 84, an interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for time eating on d 84; CON calves spent the greatest percentage of time eating at h 7, 9, 11, 14, and 16 as well as overall (P = 0.05). An interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for number of vocalizations on d 84; CON calves had the greatest number of vocalizations at h 16–18 as well as overall (P < 0.01). Overall, creep feeding altered calf behaviors before and after weaning.
Tall Fescue Toxicosis Mitigation Strategies: Comparisons of Cow-Calf Returns in Spring- and Fall-Calving Herds