Comparative Value of Dry and Liquid Hemicellulose Extract and Liquid Cane Molasses for Lactating Dairy Cows1,2

Abstract

Grain rations containing 10% liquid cane molasses, liquid hemicellulose extract, or dry hemicellulose extract were compared using three groups of five cows each in five 3×3 Latin squares where each period was five weeks. The three groups of cows responded to changes in rations similarly, with no statistically significant differences among the three rations in milk production, milk composition, grain intake, palatability, hay intake, or body weight. It was concluded that either liquid or dry hemicellulose extract when comprising 10% of the grain ration was equal to cane molasses for lactating dairy cows.