One way to enhance DMI and lessen the risk of ruminal acidosis through the diet is to increase the proportion of sugar in the diet. Sugar, in particular molasses, is known to be very palatable and has the potential to improve rumen function and health.

 

 

Does molasses increase the palatbility of rations? It is difficult to measure palatabiltiy. When dry matter intake increases after adding molasses to the total mixed ration (TMR) it may appear it does. However, digestibility may have been increased due to the ration not falling apart and decreasing the risk of cows sorting out the fines in TMRs, thus driving up dry matter intake.