The use of cane molasses as part of the concentrate dairy ration using merker grass as roughage

Abstract

Two groups of cows were fed regular Merker grass soilage, 20 per cent protein concentrate, and a mixture of four parts of a 20 per cent protein concentrate plus one part molasses in a switch-back feeding trial. A third group was fed young Merker grass for the first part of the experiment, and regular Merker grass for the second part, plus the molasses-concentrate ration with each grass. Statistical analysis of the data indicates that molasses did not have any depressive effect on milk production. The amount of dry matter in roughage consumed per 100 pounds of live weight was essentially the same for all groups; the difference was statistically non-significant. Although body weight was not maintained throughout the experiment, the difference in weight lost among groups was not statistically significant. Due to the difference in price between molasses and the mixed dairy feeds, the use of molasses can effect considerable saving to the farmer who uses it as part of the concentrate ration. It can be substituted for 20 per cent of the concentrate ration and probably more. As Puerto Rico is a sugar cane producing area, molasses should be used locally to a greater extent as a livestock feed. It is readily available and is the cheapest source of carbohydrates on the Island.