“Kruipvoer” is the Afrikaans term for “creep feed,” which refers to a specially formulated feed designed to supplement the diet of young animals, particularly lambs and piglets, while they are still nursing. Creep feed provides additional nutrients to support their growth and development before weaning.

Key aspects of creep feed:
Purpose: Creep feed is given to young animals to encourage early rumen development (in ruminants), promote muscle growth, and ease the transition to solid food after weaning.
Composition: It is typically high in energy and protein, often containing palatable ingredients like grains, protein meals, and vitamins and minerals.
Timing: Creep feed is introduced gradually, usually starting a week or two before weaning and continuing until the animals are fully weaned.
Benefits: Creep feeding can lead to heavier weaning weights, improved feed conversion, and a smoother weaning process.
Types: Creep feed can be in the form of pellets, meal, or even a lick, depending on the species and management practices.
Ruminants: For lambs and calves, creep feed is placed in special feeders (creep feeders) that allow the young animals access while excluding the adult animals.
Pigs: Piglets are introduced to creep feed, often in a starter creep feed, to help them adapt to solid food before weaning.