Longford Teagasc advisor outlines multiple benefits of creep grazing for suckler calves

By Donal McCabe Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Longford

For those of you with spring born suckler calves, now is the time to consider creep grazing.

Creep grazing is allowing the calves to graze ahead of the cows, but with access to the cows at all times.

This comes with a number of benefits.

Cows should be managed to allow them to graze out a field or paddock tightly, down to 4cm to facilitate fresh, clean grass to grow back in the sward, thereby maintaining quality.

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When creep grazing, as the calf can graze ahead and has access to good quality grass at all times, this will allow them to thrive better.

The worm burden on calves will likely be reduced as again, they are not forced to graze grass down tight with the cows where the worm population on the grass would likely be higher.

When creep grazing, as the calves are used to being away from the cows for long periods of the day, this will help break the bond and leave the weaning process less stressful on the animals.

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The most common way of carrying out creep grazing is to raise the electric fence in a strategic place allowing calves to wander under it as they please.

It will be less daunting for a spring born calf to walk under the wire now as opposed to, for example in September when they are a lot bigger and would potentially perceive the raised electric fence too low to go under.

Giving them the habit now, will likely leave them going under the fence until weaning.

Another method some farmers use is a creep gate between fields, similar to what may be in your slatted shed.

With cattle prices thankfully higher in recent times, this is an ideal way to achieve a cheap win by increasing the weight of your spring born calves.

Teagasc provides a Local Advisory and Education service to farmers.

They have offices based in Roscommon Town (Tel: 090 6626166), Castlerea (Tel: 094 9620160) and Longford Town (Tel: 043 3341021), You can find us on Facebook @Teagascroscommonlongford, Instagram @teagasc.rnld and X @teagascRNLD. Email; RoscommonLongford Advisory@teagasc.ie