Molasses

Use: Feed Supplement

Molasses is a viscous by-product of processing sugar cane or sugar beets into sugar. Molasses is a source of quick energy and a rich source of minerals. In comparison to other commonly used sources of energy, the calcium content of cane molasses is high (up to 1%), whereas the phosphorus content is low. Cane molasses is also high in sodium, potassium (present as chlorides), magnesium and sulphur. Beet molasses is higher in potassium and sodium but lower in calcium. Molasses also contains significant quantities of trace minerals, such as copper (7ppm), zinc (10ppm), iron (200ppm), manganese (200ppm).

Microbes in the rumen break down the sugars in molasses quickly and extensively causing a rapid release of energy that makes molasses very useful for balancing other feeds in the dairy diet all year round. Feeding molasses will improve digestion of pastures, help maintain body condition and appetite, and increase milk production leading to extra days in milk. Cane sugar has similar benefits and is an inexpensive alternative.

Benefits

• Because of its sticky nature, molasses reduces the dusty powdery nature of some finely ground feeds. In this role, it makes a feed mixture more palatable to livestock.
• Add molasses to replace missing sugar and trace minerals and help with fermentation in cases of low quality forages especially with low sugar levels.

Cattle and Dairy:

• Increases milk solid production.
• Improves milk let-down.
• Promotes animal health.
• Dilutes protein in the spring.
• Improves digestion of fibre.
• Helps reduce heat-related stress.
• Helps growth and development of young stock.
• Increases diet density when intake is reduced before calving.
• Provides sugar during early pasture growth.
• Assists pregnancy rates (condenses calving patterns).

Horses:

• Combines to reduce the dust in feed.
• Increases palatability.
• Reduces the ability of picky horses to sort through feed.

Sheep and Goats:

• Prevents pregnancy toxemia (ketosis).

Directions for Use

Molasses is usually used in amounts not exceeding 10 – 15% of ration.

Cattle and Dairy:

• Dry dairy cows: 1 – 2 lb or 500 g – 1 kg/day.
• Springing dairy cows: 1.5 – 5 lb or 700 g – 2 kg/day.
• Lactating dairy cows: 1 – 5 lb or 500 g – 2 kg/day.
• Adult beef cattle: 1 lb or 500 g/day.
• Calves and heifers: 3 oz – 1 lb or 100 – 500 g/day.
• After birthing: 8 oz or 240 mL in warm water.

Horses:

• 2 – 4 lb/1,000 lb or 1 – 2 kg/450 kg of body weight 2 – 3 times a day.

Sheep and Goats:

• Lactating or gestating: 3 –6 oz or 100 – 200 g/day.

Other Stock:

• 1.5 – 3 oz or 50 – 100 g/day.
• After birthing: 4 oz or 120 mL in warm water immediately after giving birth.

Packaging

• Liquid
• Self-serve per kg in a pail or jar, or a full 55 gallon or 210 L drum

Safety

• There are no known health risks.