The use of molasses in livestock and poultry feeds dates back to the nineteenth century. At that time, the properties of molasses as a source of dietary energy and as a dust eliminator were already known. This dust prevention is extremely important, since animals, are prone to bronchial diseases caused by dust. Dust is also a problem for the people feeding livestock and legislation has attempted to minimise personal exposure to dust. Dust may also result in feed wastage. Literature reports have shown that 10% molasses practically eliminated all dust and 30% eliminated fine particles.
Molasses may be fed to livestock in several ways such as molassed meal, molasses blocks, and liquid form to provide energy directly or be used as a carrier for non-protein nitrogen, vitamins and minerals as well as medicinal compounds.
Main advantages of including molasses in feed are:
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