ABSTRACT
Sugar beet molasses,in rations for Iactating cows

Ernesto Jahn B.1, Sandra Barahona L.2, Eduardo Olave R.2, Walter Bonilla E.1 y Rubén Pulido F.1
 

During two consecutive years, the nutritive value of molasses was evaluated. Sugar beet molasses replaced corn grain in the concentrate of lactating dairy cows, fed 5 kg of alfalfa hay and corn silage ad Iibitum. Twenty four cows, in a randomized block design, were used each year to evaluate three treatments. Molasses was included at 0, 33.3, and 66.6% of the 6 kg concentrate/cow/day, during a 107 days experimental period. Milk production increased (P < 0.05) with higher levels of molasses in the concentrate. During the first year, 4% fat corrected milk was 17.0, 18.7, and 19.6 and the second year, 18.0, 17.9, and 21.1 kg/day for 0, 33.3, and 66.6% molasses, respectively. Milk sol ids and protein were not affected (P > 0.05) by the level of molasses, but milk fat percentage increased with a higher level of molasses in the concentrate (P < 0.05). Silage D.M. intake increased (P < 0.05), as the level of molasses was elevated. Dry matter and ADF digestibility decreased, as molasses in the diet was increased (P < 0.05).

Keywords:
1 Estación Experimental Quilamapu (INIA), Casilla 426, ChiIlén, Chile.
2 Memorantes de las Escuelas de Agronomía de la Unív. Católica de Valparaíso y la Univ. de Concepción. Actualmente, en actividad particular.