Molasses as an energy source for cattle.

Molasses has been used as a major energy component of feedlot diets for about 15 years (Preston et al. 1967). Over the last 5 years of drought conditions molasses has been extensively fed to cattle in large areas of north-east Australia applying the principles for its use advocated by Preston and his colleagues (see Preston & Willis 1974). A prerequisite of drought feeding is for low labour costs and an ability to move from maintenance to feeding for production as market conditions improve. Molasses is deficient in nitrogen for efficient rumen fermentation and the level of NPN supplementation may be used to restrict feed intake, whilst strategic protein supplementation may be used to increase productivity. A study is reported which investigates the use of these supplements to control intake and level of production.