Definition

1. Noun:
   • Specialized feed for young animals: "Creep feed" refers to a type of high-nutrient feed provided specifically to young, nursing animals (like calves, lambs, or piglets) in a controlled area called a creep. This area is designed so the young animals can access the feed, but the larger adult animals cannot.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The farmer started giving creep feed to the piglets to supplement their diet while they were still nursing.
  • Using creep feed helps ensure the calves get proper nutrition for optimal early growth.

Advanced Usage

• "to provide/offer creep feed": to make this specialized feed available to young livestock.
  • It is common practice to provide creep feed to lambs in the weeks before weaning.

Variants and Related Words

• Creep feeding (n): The practice or system of providing creep feed to young animals.
  • Creep feeding is an effective management strategy for improving weaning weights.

Synonyms

• Starter feed: A similar type of feed designed for young animals, often used in poultry.
• Supplemental feed: Feed that adds to the primary diet (often milk from the mother).

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically combines the concept of the feed ("feed") with the restricted access area ("creep"). The "creep" is a small enclosure with openings only large enough for the young animals to enter. The primary purpose is to allow the young to eat nutrient-dense food without competition from older, larger animals.

Noun

1. feed given to young animals isolated in a creep