Effect of Molasses in Normal- and High-Grain Rations on Utilization of Nutrients for Lactation

Abstract

Molasses added to ground ear-corn at a level of 10% and fed with wilted silag'e (66% moisture) in a 40:60 ratio of grainto-roughage (&T basis) depressed milk and fat<orrected milk (FCSI) yields and milk fat content. Molasses was not detrimental with haylao'e (47c~ moisture) or with a 60:40 ratio of grain-to-roughao'e. Molasses had no measurable effect on dr?" matter intake or efficiency of esthuated net energy (ENE) utilization. Inereasing the grain from 40 to 60% in the haylage ration increased d13 + matter intake, but decreased feed efficiency. However, raMng the grain level to 60% with the wilted silage increased milk fat percentage. FCM yield, and lowered eonsmnption, resulting in improved efflcieney.