UK beef production systems vary greatly, but all have the same aim of producing a high quality and profitable animal which meets market requirements with the resources available to them. For many systems optimising forage efficiency is the crucial defining factor between an animal being profitable or not.
Using a Molasses blend can aid in several ways:
Improve forage intakes
The main part of ruminant diets is generally forage, and usually the most readily available base of any ration. Molasses blends are highly palatable and coat forage increasing dry matter intakes. A key driver in Daily Live Weight Gain (DLWG).
Improve rumen fermentation
Molasses are an excellent source of six carbon sugars such as sucrose and glucose, which have been proven to be more efficiently utilised in comparison to five carbon sugars commonly found in silages and syrups.
Aids optimal rumen pH
Sugars positively affect rumen pH as they favour butyric acid production which is the least acidic of the volatile fatty acids. It also aids the growth of rumen papillae. When the rumen is working optimally nutrient absorption is optimised.
Reduce ration sorting
In diets containing cereals forages and straw, the occurrence of sorting is highly increased. Adding a molasses blend can help to reduce sorting as all the feed is coated, making it harder for the herd to sort, driving higher intakes. Furthermore, a reduction in sorting will mean all animals in the group will be receiving the same diet optimising growth rates across the group.
Reduce dust
Adding a molasses blend to a ration helps to dampen the dust and stick it all together therefore reducing the breathable dust levels, which is a positive for the respiratory system of both the stock and stockperson. In addition, if a dietary mineral is added to the ration, rather than as an inclusion of a compound or pre-mixed blend it will be retained into the ration as this is an expensive powder to loose as dust/waste.
There are a wide range of molasses blends available to suit all systems, including high protein regulated release protein blends which are an excellent source of Fermentable Metabolisable Energy (FME) and Effective Rumen Digestible Protein (ERDP).
In conclusion, adding a molasses blend to your herds ration can help balance the diet to further drive intakes, optimise the rumen and nutrient utilisation, which increases DLWG and improves farm margins.
For further information on maximising your beef herd, please speak to your local NWF Sales Specialist or call 0800 756 2787.
