Abstract
In the past fifty years, agriculture, and particularly livestock production, has become more resource-intensive, with negative implications regarding world environmental status. Currently, the circular economy 3R principles (to reduce, reuse and recycle materials) can offer many opportunities for the agri-food industry to become more resource-efficient. The closed-loop agri-food supply chain has the great potential of reducing environmental and economic costs, which result from food waste disposal. To meet these principles, the use of crop byproducts, such as molasses, in animal nutrition improves the nutritive value of coarse and poorly desired feedstuff, which could present a real opportunity. The aims of this study were to summarize the possible applications of molasses for animal nutrition, to improve hay and silage quality for beef and dairy cattle, to enhance industrial byproduct values using liquid feed in swine production, and to improve extensive livestock production with feed blocks. The study focused on both feed characteristics, based on molasses, and on ruminal fermentation of its carbohydrates; the techniques of the production, conservation and administration of molasses to animals have been widely described as being capable of positively influencing animal performance, milk and meat quality.
Highlights
Molasses is a thick brown-colored liquid with a syrupy consistency, which is the residue remaining after sugar extraction when it is no longer possible to conveniently obtain sucrose from the latter for simple crystallization [1]
This definition is not sufficient to characterize molasses; in sugar beets (Beta vulgaris), the sucrose is extracted from the deep root while, in sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum), it derives from the trunk medullary tissues
It is appropriate to list the advantages which can be obtained in beef and dairy cattle with the use of molasses or liquid feed based on molasses: (a) low system costs and easy storage; (b) the possibility of enriching diets with nonprotein nitrogen, with very low costs and higher feed efficiency; (c) the possibility of adding other byproducts that are less desirable than molasses, and gaining in both digestibility and in dry matter intake; (d) reduction in foot pathology and hypofertility owing to the higher biotin content; (e) reduction in the risk of mycotoxicosis and (f) decreased urea content in milk and increased true protein production
Summary
Attilio Luigi Mordenti 1, * , Elisa Giaretta 2 , Luca Campidonico 1 , Paola Parazza 1 and Andrea Formigoni 1. Simple Summary: The aim of the authors is to make a summary of the possible applications of molasses in animal nutrition, how to improve hays and silage qualities for beef and dairy cattle; to enhance industrial byproducts values by liquid feed in swine production; and to improve with feed blocks the extensive livestock production efficiency (cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats and pigs). Focus is both on characteristics feed based on molasses and on ruminal fermentation: the techniques of production, conservation and administration to animals have been widely described as being capable of positively influencing animal performance, milk and meat quality, as well as animal welfare.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
