Different Levels Of Molasses Research Articles

Título en español.

Durante la época de postura se hicieron tres estudios en los que se evaluaron diferentes niveles de melaza de caña en dietas para gallinas, usando la intensidad de la postura y la conversión del alimento como criterios de evaluación. En estos estudios se evaluaron niveles de melaza hasta de un 20%, en los cuales no se observaron efectos detrimentales. Se discuten las implicaciones prácticas de limitar el uso de melaza a un nivel de 15% en la dieta para así evitar el "agalletamiento", o sea, la formación de una camada húmeda compacta que disminuye la capacidad de la camada para absorber excrementos, lo cual crea un problema de mal olor y un hervidero de insectos, sobre todo moscas. Hasta el nivel de 15%, la cantidad de melaza a usarse en una dieta para gallinas ponedoras lo determinará su costo al compararlo con el del maíz o un sustituto adecuado.

Substitution of molasses for corn grain at two levels of degradable protein. II. Effects on ruminal fermentation, digestion, and nitrogen metabolism

Our objective was to evaluate cow N metabolism and ruminal measures with diets containing 3 different levels of molasses or finely ground dry corn grain with 2 levels of ruminally degradable protein (RDP). Twelve lactating, ruminally cannulated Holstein cows (parity 2.25 ± 0.62; 185 ± 56 DIM; 41.3 ± 6.3 kg of milk initially) were individually fed in an experiment designed as a split-plot, replicated 3 × 3 Latin square, where each period lasted 28 d. Six diets were formulated according to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments, where 2 levels of RDP (+RDP and -RDP) were fed throughout the experiment as the whole plot, and 3 levels of molasses (0, 5.25, or 10.50% of dry matter replacing finely ground dry corn grain) were fed in sequences of the Latin squares. Dry matter intake did not differ by diet, although ash intake increased linearly with increasing molasses. Ruminal pH, organic acid concentration, and ammonia concentration were not affected by diet. Molar percentages of ruminal acetate decreased and butyrate increased linearly with increasing levels of molasses. Ruminal free amino acid concentration was greater for +RDP, whereas branched-chain volatile fatty acids declined linearly with increasing molasses. Rumen content mass, ruminal liquid, and ruminal acetate pool size was greater for -RDP, although ruminal lactate pool size tended to be greater with +RDP. Increased ruminal lactate when increasing molasses with high RDP should be explored further, to optimize microbial efficiency and rumen health. Total-tract apparent dry matter digestibility based on spot sampling was not affected by diet; however, ash digestibility increased linearly with increasing levels of molasses. Calculated urine output was greater for cows fed diets with increasing levels of molasses and for cows fed +RDP. Grams of N distributed to excretion pools were not different across diets, although, as molasses increased, a lower proportion of N intake was excreted in urine. Overall, the results from this experiment showed that dairy cows used dietary carbohydrates differently during ruminal fermentation, with increasing molasses resulting in increased butyrate molar proportions at the expense of acetate. Additionally, RDP tended to modify the effects of carbohydrate fermentation, resulting in a tendency for increasing lactate molar pool size only in diets with greater RDP, although this did not ultimately affect ruminal pH.

Effect of molasses on fermentation quality of wheat straw ensiled with perennial ryegrass

Context Insufficient supply of silage has limited the development of animal husbandry in Tibet, where natural pasture may not meet requirements. Although wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) straw could be a supplementary forage, it is difficult to ensile. Mixing perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and adding molasses may help to facilitate successful ensilage. Aims The objectives were to determine the proper mixing ratios of wheat straw and perennial ryegrass for silage, and to evaluate the effects of different levels of molasses on fermentation quality. Methods In Experiment 1, wheat straw was ensiled without perennial ryegrass or mixed at ratios of 4:1, 3:2 and 2:3 (fresh-weight basis). Fermentation quality was evaluated when the laboratory silos were opened after 7, 14, 30 and 60 days. In Experiment 2, a mixture of wheat straw and perennial ryegrass (2:3) was treated with 0%, 3%, 4% and 5% molasses (fresh-weight basis) and ensiled. Fermentation quality was determined at 7, 14, 30 and 60 days. Key results In Experiment 1, inclusion of perennial ryegrass significantly (P < 0.05) increased lactic acid and water-soluble carbohydrate contents and the lactic acid:acetic acid ratio, and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased pH and contents of ammonia-nitrogen, acetic acid, butyric acid and total volatile fatty acids. The 2:3 mixture of wheat straw ensiled with perennial ryegrass was judged the best, with the highest lactic acid content and lowest pH and butyric acid content (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, molasses addition significantly (P < 0.05) increased lactic acid, water-soluble carbohydrate and dry matter contents, and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased pH and ammonia-nitrogen content compared with the control. Trace amounts of propionic and butyric acids were observed in all silages. Fermentation quality was similar among all treatments with added molasses. Conclusions Considering the costs of additives, 3% molasses was most suitable for practical application when ensiling wheat straw with perennial ryegrass at an optimum ratio of 2:3. Implications This work may help to inform producers on efficient utilisation of wheat straw for silage making by demonstrating successful ensiling with perennial ryegrass and added molasses.

Effect of Molasses Level on Hardness, Storage Durability and Chemical Composition of Densified Complete Feed

Densified complete feed (DCF) is a formulated feed that produces through the blending of feedstuffs in the desired proportion to provide balanced nutrition for animals. The DCF gives a good impact on animal performance and reduce the feed cost for farmers. However, there is lacking of DCF production for goat consumption. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of molasses as binder on hardness, durability and chemical composition of DCF. In preparation of DCF, the locally available feed ingredients such as oil palm frond were collected and the making process of complete feed blocks was referred. The DCF was made manually including 3% and 6% molasses level, and then prepared to fulfil the nutrient requirement of growing goats as recommended by National Research Council. The durability was carried out on days 0, 7, 14 and 28 by comparing the hardness, dry matter (DM), and colony forming unit (CFU) of each molasses rate of DCF. Both molasses of DCF had shown a decreasing trend on durability from days 0 to 28. Regardless of durability, the DCF with 3% molasses had greater hardness (2.1 kg/cm2), higher DM content (93.2%) and lower CFU count (1.3 ×104 CFU ml−1) than that of 6% molasses rate of DCF. Both different rates of molasses of DCF had no significant (p>0.05) effect on crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract and ash contents. The present study suggests that 3% molasses of DCF is preferable in terms of longer storage, while 6% molasses of DCF may be more palatable for the ruminants.

Effect of Different Level of Molasses Inclusion on Feed Intake, Body Weight Gain and Carcass Parameters of Afar Bull

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing different levels of molasses concentrates mix with a basal diet of cultivated pasture hay on intake, body weight and carcass quality of Afar bull. The experiment included three bulls in each group and a total of 12 bulls with mean initial live weight of 158 ± 1.20 kg, were used for the experiment in a complete randomized block design (RCRD). The experiment was consisted of 180 days of feeding trial followed by carcass evaluation. The concentrate mix were 2:1 (wheat bran and Cotton seed cake) The CP content of the cultivated hay, concentrate mix and molasses were 9.16, 25.2, and 3.8 %, respectively. Results showed that, the mean final weight for Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, Tx4 were 271.65Kg, 255.83kg, 243.79kg and 239.50 respectively. Significant differences in daily body weight gain and final body weight among the treatment were observed but carcass parameters were not significantly recorded. The Tx1 and Tx2 have a tendency to achieve a higher average daily weight gain (ADG), final body weight, hot carcass weight and feed conversion efficiency compared with Tx3 and Tx4. From the present study, it can be concluded that, the inclusion of 20% molasses in the diet of a mixed ration of Afar bulls can be finished with good performance without adverse effect on health. Further studies are required on the effects of age and feeding duration on carcass characteristics of Afar bulls.

Effect of different level of molasses inclusion on feed intake, body weight gain and carcass parameters of Afar sheep in Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing different levels of molasses and concentrates mix with a basal diet of cultivated pasture hay on intake, body weight and carcass quality of Afar sheep. Twenty four yearling Afar sheep, grouped in to four groups of six animals each in a randomized complete block design. The experiment consisted of four months feeding trial each group will receive the experimental feeds. Treatments were mixed concentrate + 20% inclusion molasses (T1), mixed concentrate + 15% inclusion molasses (T2), mixed concentrate + 10% inclusion molasses (T3) and 0% inclusion (T4). In this experiment with mean initial weight of 15.9±0.39 kg (mean ± SD), 16.2 ±0.41 kg, 16.3±0.42k.g and 16.1kg±0.42 respectively, were used in each treatment group. The experiment was consisted of 90 days of feeding trial followed by carcass evaluation. The concentrate mix were 2:1 (wheat bran and cotton seed cake) The CP content of the panicum antidotale hay, concentrate mix and molasses were 95g/kg DM, 252g/kg DM, and 38.4g/kg, respectively. Hay DM intake was did not differ (P<0.05) among all treatments. Average daily weight gain (ADG) was higher (P<0.05) for T2 (69.59g/kg) compared to other treatments. Hot carcass weight also higher (P<0.05) for T2 (14.41kg). Weight gains 12.31kg, 13.83kg, 11.25kg and 10.26kg for Tx1, Tx2, Tx3 and Tx4, respectively). All Carcass parameters gave advantage (P<0.01) to Tx2. From the present study, it can be concluded that Tx2 sheep performed better than Tx1, Tx3, and Tx4 in terms of body weight gain, Feed intake, and carcass parameters.
 Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2019, 5(1): 23-30

KANDUNGAN FRAKSI SERAT SILASE LIMBAH PISANG (BATANG DAN BONGGOL) DENGAN KOMPOSISI SUBSTRAT DAN LEVEL MOLASES YANG BERBEDA SEBAGAI PAKAN ALTERNATIF TERNAK RUMINANSIA

Harvesting bananas will produce stems and stump that can be used as an alternative feed. One processing techniques tomaintain the nutritional value is silage. This study aims to determine the content of the fiber fraction ie. Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose from bananas waste silage with the composition of the substrate and the different levels of molasses. Research using a Completely Randomized Design factorial pattern with two replications. Factor A : the composition of the substrate, A1. stumps 100% : stems 0%; A2. 50% stems : 50% stumps; A3. 0% stumps : 100% stems. Factor B : the addition of molasses 0%; 2.5% and 5%. Data were analyzed using a completely randomized factorial design, the difference between treatments tested Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed banana waste silage with the composition of the substrate and molasses with different levels have moderate physical qualities and fiber fractions are NDF 57.86-89.63%; ADF 34.44-46.20%; lignin 11.75-17.19%; cellulose 15.10-32.34%; hemicellulose 11.66-55.18%. Silage that contains 100% of banana stem with the addition of 5% molasses is the best result.

Nutritional Value of Fermented Maize Stover as Feed for Ruminant

An experiment was undertaken to determine the physical and nutritional properties, in Vitro digestibility of maize stover fermented with different levels of molasses. Maize stover was collected from the field immediately after harvesting the corn, chopped and were preserved in plastic containers under normal condition and were treated, sample fermented without additives (T1), a sample with the addition of water and 5% molasses (T2). After completion of each ensiled period, nutritional properties, in-vitro digestibility and were determined. The result reveals that crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), ash content of maize stover were increased (P<0.05) while the crude fiber (CF) contents were decreased (P<0.01) after ensiling and the addition of molasses. The highest DM, EE, and CP content was found to be 99.52%, 10.33% and 4.56% in T2 while CF was found highest in T1 32.79%. The OMD(organic matter digestibility) and DMD (dry matter digestibility) contents were decreased by ensiling with molasses. The highest DMD, OMD, N-NH3, total VFA DMD values were observed in treatmentT1 which were 47.71%, 46.78%, 12.50%, 5.42% respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the addition of molasses improved and nutritional properties and preservation capacity of maize stover after 21 days of ensilingKeywords: Fermented, Maize stover, Molasses, Nutritional properties, Ruminant

Improvement of Nutritive Value and <i>In vitro</i> Ruminal Fermentation of <i>Leucaena</i> Silage by Molasses and Urea Supplementation

Leucaena silage was supplemented with different levels of molasses and urea to study its nutritive value and in vitro rumen fermentation efficiency. The ensiling study was randomly assigned according to a 3×3 factorial arrangement in which the first factor was molasses (M) supplement at 0%, 1%, and 2% of crop dry matter (DM) and the second was urea (U) supplement as 0%, 0.5%, and 1% of the crop DM, respectively. After 28 days of ensiling, the silage samples were collected and analyzed for chemical composition. All the nine Leucaena silages were kept for study of rumen fermentation efficiency using in vitro gas production techniques. The present result shows that supplementation of U or M did not affect DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber content in the silage. However, increasing level of U supplementation increased crude protein content while M level did not show any effect. Moreover, the combination of U and M supplement decreased the content of mimosine concentration especially with M2U1 (molasses 2% and urea 1%) silage. The result of the in vitro study shows that gas production kinetics, cumulation gas at 96 h and in vitro true digestibility increased with the increasing level of U and M supplementation especially in the combination treatments. Supplementation of M and U resulted in increasing propionic acid and total volatile fatty acid whereas, acetic acid, butyric acid concentrations and methane production were not changed. In addition, increasing U level supplementation increased NH3-N concentration. Result from real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed a significant effect on total bacteria, whereas F. succinogenes and R. flavefaciens population while R. albus was not affected by the M and U supplementation. Based on this study, it could be concluded that M and urea U supplementation could improve the nutritive value of Leucaena silage and enhance in vitro rumen fermentation efficiency. This study also suggested that the combination use of M and U supplementation level was at 2% and 1%, respectively.

Improvement of whole crop rice silage nutritive value and rumen degradability by molasses and urea supplementation

Whole crop rice was harvested 120days after planting and chopped to 2-3-cm length for silage making. The whole crop rice silage (WCRS) was supplemented with different levels of molasses and urea to study nutritive value and in situ rumen degradability. The ensiling study was randomly assigned according to a 6 × 5 factorial arrangement, in which the first factor was molasses (M) supplementation at M0, M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5%, and the second was urea (U) supplementation at U0, U0.5, U1.0, U1.5, and U2.0% of the crop dry mater (DM), respectively. After 45days of ensiling, temperature, pH, chemical composition, and fermentation end products of the silages were measured. Ten U and M treatment combinations of WCRS were subsequently selected to study rumen degradability by nylon bag technique. The results showed that temperature and pH of the silages linearly increased with U supplementation level, while total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), acetic acid (C2) and propionic acid (C3) decreased. In contrast, increasing level of M supplementation decreased WCRS temperature and pH, whereas TVFA, C2, and C3 concentrations increased dramatically. Both M and U supplementation increased concentration of butyric acid (C4). Dry matter, organic matter (OM), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of the silages were not influenced by either M or U supplementation. Increasing U supplementation increased crude protein (CP) content, while M level did not show any effect. Furthermore, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content in silage was decreased by both M and U supplementation. The results of the in situ study showed that M and U supplementation increased both ruminal DM and OM degradation. The water-soluble fraction (a) was the highest in WCRS U1.5M3 and lowest in U0M0. Increasing M and U supplementation levels increased the potentially degradable fraction (b) of both DM and OM. Total rumen degradable fraction (a + b) was highest in WCRS U1.5M3, whereas OM degradability was highest in U0M3. However, effective degradation of both DM and OM were the highest in WCRS U1.5M3 and the lowest in U0M0. We conclude that supplementation of U and M increases WCRS quality and rumen degradability. Supplementation of U at 1.5 and M at 3-4% of the crop DM is recommended for lactating dairy cows and fattening beef cattle.

English

This study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and feed intake of crossbred (Boran x Holstein Friesian) female calves fed different levels of molasses in concentrate mixture using 24 yearlings calves with average initial weight of 142.4±20.7 kg which lasted for 90 days. The calves were assigned into treatments having 0 (T1), 15 (T2), 30 (T3) and 50% (T4) molasses which replaced wheat bran in concentrate mixture using randomized complete block design into six blocks of four animals. The dry matter (DM) degradability was determined by incubating 3 g of feed samples in fistulated steers fed natural pasture hay ad libitum supplemented with 2 kg of concentrate. The total DM and organic matter (OM) intake for T2 and T3 diets were higher (P< 0.05) than those fed T1 and T4 diets. The stover DM and OM intake for T2 and T3 diets were higher (p<0.05) than for other treatments. The highest (p<0.05) crude protein intake was observed in calves fed T3 diets. Metabolizable energy (ME) intake was higher (P<0.05) for calves fed on T2 and T3 diets, respectively. Calves fed on T2, T3 and T4 diets had higher average daily gain compared to those fed T1 diet. The DM degradability after 4, 8, 24, 48, and 96 h of incubation was higher (P < 0.05) for T4 than that of T1. Based on intake of DM, OM and ME and growth performance, 15 and 30% molasses could be used as a replacement to wheat bran in the ration of heifers fed maize stover with good performance. Key words: Molasses, performance, crossbred, calves, maize stover, Ethiopia.

The effect of different levels of molasses on the digestibility, rumen parameters and blood metabolites in sheep fed processed broiler litter

A 28-d experiment was performed to evaluate the influence of replacing dietary corn/barley with molasses at levels of 0 (M0), 50 (M50) and 100 (M100) g/kg dietary dry matter (DM), as energy sources, in the diets containing heat-processed broiler litter (HBL) (240g/kg DM) in male Moghani sheep. Digestibility, microbial protein supply (MPS), ruminal parameters and blood metabolites were measured. The digestibility of DM and crude protein (CP) in experimental sheep linearly increased (L, P=0.01) as level of molasses enhanced in the diets. Addition of molasses to diet linearly increased MPS (L, P=0.01) compared to sheep fed the control diet. Ruminal pH and ammonia concentrations linearly declined (L, P<0.05) as level of molasses increased in the diet. There was no difference (P>0.05) in ruminal volatile fatty acid concentrations, except a linear increase in the molar proportion of butyrate (L, P=0.02) among the molasses supplemented groups. Blood urea-N linearly decreased (L, P=0.02) in sheep fed molasses compared to the control group. It can be concluded that replacing corn/barley with molasses in sheep diet improved the utilization of the diet containing HBL.

Effect of Different Levels of Molasses Fed Through Drinking Water on Growth and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of molasses fed through drinking water on growth and economic performance of broiler chickens. One hundred and sixty unsexed day old chicks of Anak strain were used. They were divided into four treatment groups with each group having four replicates of ten birds per replicate. Each group had forty birds, replicated into four with ten birds per replicate. The experiment was arranged in completely randomized design (CRD). Treatment 1(without molasses) served as the control. Treatment 2, 3 and 4 were fed 30, 50 and 70 g of molasses per litre of water, respectively. The birds were fed and watered ad libitun .The experiment lasted for 28 days each for starter and finisher phases. At the starter phase, 50 and 70 g/litre significantly improved live weight, protein efficiency ratio (PER) and water intake. During the finisher phase, live weight, daily gain, PER and water intake were significantly (P<0.05) higher in 50 and 70g/litre groups which also had better feed: gain ratio as compared to control. Revenue and gross margin were higher (P<0.05) in 50 and 70 g/litre group than the control and 30 g/litre.

The Effect of Different Levels of Molasses as Silage Additives on Fermentation Quality of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) Silage*

The Effect of Different Levels of Molasses as Silage Additives on Fermentation Quality of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) Silage*

Nutritive value of fresh and ensiled amaranth ( Amaranthus hypochondriacus) treated with different levels of molasses

The nutritive value of the fresh and ensiled amaranth ( Amaranthus hypochondriacus) treated with various levels of molasses was assessed. Three levels of molasses ( i.e., 0, 50, 100 g/kg of fresh basis) were compared. Both fresh and ensiled amaranth was rich in Ca, K and Mg, moderate in P and low in Na. Ensiling decreased NDFom and water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) contents ( P<0.05) but had no effect on dry matter (DM), ADFom, lignin(sa), nitrate and oxalic acid content. Ensiling increased CP and SP content ( P<0.05), but decreased TP, NDICP and ADICP ( P<0.05). In vitro gas production of fresh amaranth were higher than those for ensiled forage ( P<0.05). Addition of molasses decreased ( P<0.05) pH, cell wall fractions, CP, Ca, P, Mg, TP, NDICP, ADICP, butyric acid and ammonia-N, but increased ( P<0.05) DM, Na, K, SP, WSC, lactic, acetic, propionic acid, in vitro gas production and estimated parameters. Based on its moderate CP value and in vitro gas production, amaranth has potential as a livestock forage and, when drying is not practical, amaranth can be preserved as silage.

The Effect of Different Levels of Molasses as Silage Additives on Fermentation Quality of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) Silage

The Effect of Different Levels of Molasses as Silage Additives on Fermentation Quality of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) Silage

Effects of Molasses at Different Levels in Concentrate Supplement on Milk Yield of Dairy Cows Grazing Setaria Grass (Setaria Sphacelata) Pasture in Fiji

Effects of different levels of molasses in a concentrate supplement on milk yield of cows grazing Setaria grass pastures were investigated. Thirty Friesian cows, 6-7 years old with mean pre-experimental body weight of kg, in early stage of lactation were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design experiment that lasted for 126 days. Experimental dietary treatments were forage alone and forage/concentrate mixtures with molasses included at 0, 5, 10 or 15% levels designated as , , , and , respectively. The parameters studied were voluntary dry matter (DM) intake, average daily live weight change (LWC), milk yield, body condition score (BCS) and apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients. The DM and energy contents of Setaria grass were low compared to the concentrate diets. Fibre fractions-NDF, ADF, ADL, hemicellulose and cellulose; and gross energy were higher in concentrate mixtures than in the forage. Total DM intake (forage+concentrate mixtures) was significantly higher (p0.05) between the cows. Average milk yields were significantly different (p, , and than in those on . There were no significant differences in the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, ADF and ADL (p>0.001) in cows on concentrate mixtures. This study therefore demonstrated that lactating dairy cows in Fiji need a level of readily fermented energy source such as molasses in their diets; however, a level above 10% is not nutritionally suitable for lactating dairy cows. Based on data on production parameters-milk yield, fat corrected milk, body condition score and apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients-molasses levels that range between 5-10% are recommended, however, 10% is the best and therefore recommended for inclusion in the concentrate mixture of lactating dairy cows on a basal diet of Setaria sphacelata in Fiji.

The effects of increasing the proportion of molasses in the diet of milking dairy cows on milk production and composition

The objective of this experiment was to measure the effects on milk production and composition of including different levels of molasses, which is a good source of rumen-fermentable energy, in the diet. The experiment was a balanced Latin square design with four treatments and four periods, each of 4 weeks duration. There were five squares using a total of 20 Holstein/Friesian cows. At the start of the experiment cows were on average 32 days in milk (range 18–47 days), had an average body weight of 591 kg (range 516–716 kg) and an average milk yield of 27.5 kg/day (range 21.9–32.5 kg/day). The treatments consisted of 5 kg/day of a concentrate supplement plus one of the following molasses/grass–silage mixtures (g/kg) fed to appetite: (1) 0 molasses/1000 grass–silage, (2) 50 molasses/950 grass–silage (139 g/kg molasses on a DM basis), (3) 100 molasses/900 grass–silage (254 g/kg molasses on a DM basis), and (4) 150 molasses/850 grass–silage (351 g/kg molasses on a DM basis). Milk yield was measured daily, milk composition on three successive morning and evening milkings weekly and blood samples were taken once before an evening milking in the final week of each period. Protein composition was measured on a composite of one successive evening and morning milk sample in the final week of each period from twelve cows (3 squares). Intake was measured daily. Milk and constituent yields, milk composition and intake data from the final 2 weeks of each period were used to compare the treatments. There was a significant linear increase in milk yield ( p < 0.001), protein yield ( p < 0.001), protein concentration ( p < 0.01), casein concentration ( p < 0.05) and total dry matter intake ( p < 0.001) with increasing level of molasses inclusion. Plasma β-hydroxy butyrate levels were significantly higher ( p < 0.05) in diets containing molasses. It is concluded that including rumen-fermentable energy in the form of molasses in a grass–silage-based diet for dairy cows significantly increased milk production and improved composition.

Effect of different levels of molasses, salt and antimycotic agents on microbial profiles during fermentation of poultry intestine

Waste poultry intestines (PI) consist of 75.8% water, 7.9% ether extract, 12.4% protein and 1.7% ash. The process of ensiling PI after mixing with different levels of molasses (5–12% w/w) and common salt (0.5–2.0% w/w) was studied under microaerophilic conditions at Indian ambient temperature (26 ± 2°C). The inhibitive effects of benzoic, propionic and sorbic acids on growth of yeasts and moulds during fermentation was also studied. The results showed that molasses at less than 10% was inadequate and at 12% had no additional advantage for effecting fermentation. Salt at 0.5–2.0% (w/w) had no marked effect on pH and the microbial profile. Propionic acid at 0.5% (v/w) was quite effective in controlling the growth of yeasts and moulds. A microbiologically safe silage product can be prepared by homogenising PI with 10% (w/w) molasses and 0.5% (v/w) propionic acid and fermenting under microaerophilic conditions at ambient temperature (26 ± 2°C) for 6 days.

Effect Of Addition Of Molasses And Period Of Preservation On Physical And Nutritional Properties Of Maize Stover Silage

An experiment was undertaken to determine the physical and nutritional properties, in vitro digestibility and metabolizable energy of maize stover ensiled with different levels of molasses at three different ensiling times (45, 90 and 135 days). Maize stover was collected from field immediately after harvesting the corn, chopped and were preserved in plastic containers under normal condition and were treated as control (T0) (sample only), sample ensiled without additives (T1), sample with addition of 20% water (T2), sample with addition of 20% water and 2% molasses (T3), samples with addition of 20% water and 4% molasses (T4), sample with addition of 20% water and 6% molasses (T5). After completion of each ensiled period, physical and nutritional properties, in-vitro digestibility and metabolizable energy were determined. The result reveals that physical properties (color, smell, softness and fungal growth) of maize stover were improved in molasses treatments. It was also improved with increasing the ensiling time from 45 to 135 days. Among the treatments T4 was found best, as there were no fungal growth. The crude protein (CP) content of maize stover was increased (P&lt;0.01) and the dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude fibre (CF) contents were decreased (P&lt;0.01) after ensiling and addition of molasses. The highest DM, OM and CF content was found to be 72.33, 87.70 and 37.08% in T0 and highest CP was found to be 10.67% in T4 but the lowest DM, OM, CF and CP was found to be 63.17% in T2, 82.68% in T3, 28.18% in T5 and 6.28% in T0. The DM, OM, CP and CF contents were similar (P&gt;0.01) at different ensiling time (45 to 135 days). The OMD (organic matter digestibility) and ME (metabolizable energy) contents were increased by ensiling with molasses. The highest OMD and ME values were observed in treatment T4 which were 42.01% and 6.50 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the addition of molasses improved the physical and nutritional properties and preservation capacity of maize stover after 135 days of ensiling. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2.9880 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 42-51