Dairy Research

The use of liquid feed supplementation in dairy cattle has been well documented over the years.  LFI has selected an assortment of General papers and articles that illustrate some of the many advantages of feeding molasses based supplements to dariy cattle.

1. Recent Applications of Liquid Feed Supplements in Rations for Lactating Dairy Cows

Shaver, R.D. 2001. Review: Recent Applications of Liquid Feed Supplements in Rations for Lactating Dairy Cows. Professional Animal Scientist 17:17-19.

This short article is a well written summary and overview of numerous scientific papers on the benefits of feeding liquid feed supplements.  Among the conclusions that are listed are:

  • TMR Sorting: Liquid feed supplements decrease sorting of dry feeds

  • Fat Addition: Milk yield was 1.5kg higher per cow per day when LFS was feed

  • Dietary Fat and Carbohydrate Addition: increased DMI 1.4 kg per cow and milk yield 1.8 per cow with supplemental fat only

  • Dietary Carbohydrate Addition: Efficacy of molasses depended on the type and amount of roughage and the concentration of molasses in the diet. ( 35% alfalfa haylage, with 4% added molasses of diet DM showed increased milk fat)

 

 

 

2. Molasses in Dairy Ration

When molasses (sugars) are fed along with rapidly degraded proteins, the rumen microbes are provided with the balance of energy and protein needed for optimal microbial growth. This in return will generally increase microbial protein production, which is a high-quality source of bypass protein and is excellent for the amino acids required for milk production. Adding sugars to dairy rations can  increase milk production and fiber digestibility and increase milk fat.

3. Effect of Molasses on Absorptive Capacity of Rumen Papillae in Dairy Cows during the Dry Period and Early Lactation

Addition of cane molasses to dry cow diets significantly improved dry matter intake during the close up period. During lactation, dry matter intake and milk yield tended to be greater for cows fed cane molasses during the dry period. These data indicate maintenance of intake during the dry period can positively impact performance during lactation.

Peak milk was higher for cows with improved early lactation performance and thus milk yield would be greater during the entire lactation. In addition, an uneventful transition into lactation assisted with prevention of metabolic disorders associated which reduces input costs for replacements and medical treatment

4. Dietary Molasses Increases Ruminal pH and Enhances Ruminal Biohydrogenation During Milk Frat Depression

Replacing 5% of dietary grain corn with cane molasses in a low-forage, high concentrate diet increased rumen pH, to decrease production of intermediates associated with milk fat depression, and increased milk fat content mildly (5-10%). Molasses increased milk fat yield by promoting normal ruminal biohydrogenation and decreasing absorption of milk fat depressing fatty acids.

5. Rumen Acidosis in Dairy Cattle: Bunk Management Considerations

Some degree of Sub Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA) may be inevitable in high-producing dairy herds, because total chewing and rumination times declines as Rumen Fermentable Organic Matter (RFOM) intake increases. Bunk management is a key management tool to decrease SARA.  In addition producers should decrease the incidence of sorting while feeding molasses based liquid supplements.