This could be money well spent, particularly for ewes in a lower body score condition. Pay particular attention to foot care in purchased breeding stock. Foot problems in flocks are often traced back to sheep which have been purchased into the flock. Pare feet if necessary and bathe feet in a Zinc Sulphate or Formalin solution and keep these purchased stock separate for a two-week period. The value of creep feeding suckled calves has now been well established, especially for autumn and winter born calves.
Some farmers still debate the value of creep feeding for spring born calves.
If the spring born calf is over 200kg and remains with the cow up to weaning, the calf will benefit from creep feeding. The simplest approach is to allow calves to creep back onto good pasture through a gate with a gap or gaps of 19 inches wide and 38 inches high. Remember that it takes three weeks feeding before you notice any significant change and ideally calves should be fed for six weeks. If planning to have 'Premium Plus' calves, in addition to creep feeding, start the first pneumonia vaccinations one month before sale and the second 3-4 weeks later. Regardless of the system used for feeding magnesium, it is the constant daily supply which is crucial.