Description
Blackstrap molasses or final molasses is the by-product from which the maximum amount of sugar has been extracted.
Blackstrap molasses is usually diluted with water to a standard brix of 79.5 degrees. The brix value indicates the specific gravity of the molasses in degrees. At 79.5 degrees brix molasses weighs 1.39 kg per litre. The undiluted blackstrap molasses is usually between 79 and 85 degrees brix.
Nutritionally, molasses is used as an energy source. Its protein level is low. Molasses is a useful ingredient for improving the palatability of the diet, reducing the dustiness and serving as a binder. It also has a laxative effect.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
- Molasses has been successfully used in diets for young and old pigs and poultry. High levels of inclusion in layer diets have been shown to cause an increase in the incidence of wet droppings with a subsequent decrease in feed efficiency. This is due to its high mineral content (mainly potassium).
- Similarly, molasses will cause diarrhoea in pigs or calves if fed at high levels.
SUGGESTED MAXIMUM INCLUSION LEVELS IN TOTAL DIET
| SPECIES | MAX. INCLUSION RATES |
|---|---|
| PIGS – Weaner | 1% |
| PIGS – Grower | 2% |
| PIGS – Finisher | 3% |
| PIGS – Breeder | 3% |
| POULTRY – Broiler | 1% |
| POULTRY – Layer | 2% |
| HORSES | 5% |
| RUMINANTS | 3% – 10% |
| RUMINANTS – as a lick, not young stock | Ad Lib |
LIMITATIONS
- Molasses should not be fed to pre-calving cows.
- The high mineral content (mainly potassium) is responsible for the scouring and wet droppings seen when molasses is fed to pigs and poultry at high levels.
Refer to M. Evans1.
NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS
| TYPICAL | |||
| PROTEIN | % | : | 3.00 |
| CALCIUM | % | : | 0.70 |
| PHOSPHORUS | % | : | 0.07 |
| ME POULTRY | MJ/kg | : | 9.00 |
| DE PIG | MJ/kg | : | 10.60 |
| ME RUMINANT | MJ/kg | : | 11.00 |
| DE HORSE | MJ/kg | : | 9.50 |
| POTASSIUM | % | : | 2.50 |
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