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The feed with the lowest potential for causing digestive upsets in a creep diet is soyhulls. Soyhulls are a byproduct of soybean processing and are high in fiber while being low in starch, which is beneficial for young animals’ developing digestive systems. The high fiber content helps support healthy gut function and can reduce the likelihood of rapid fermentation that often leads to digestive disturbances such as acidosis.

On the other hand, feeds like cracked barley, cracked corn, and cracked sorghum are higher in fermentable carbohydrates and starches. These feeds can lead to quicker fermentation in the rumen, potentially causing a substantial increase in acid production. If young calves consume excessive amounts of these high-starch feeds, they may experience digestive upsets, including gas production, bloating, and acidosis, which can be detrimental to their health and growth.

Choosing soyhulls as part of a creep feed helps mitigate these risks, making them a safer option for young livestock accustomed to more fibrous diets.