The Utilization of Molasses and Urea in the Rations of Growing Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Molasses was not an adequate carbohydrate for the utilization of urea by growing dairy cattle. Growth rate, feed utilization, and N balance was less for molasses-urea supplemented animals in comparison to animals fed equal amts. of crude protein and total digestible nutrients from corn or molasses and soybean oil meal. Molasses depressed the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, and crude fiber. Data indicate that high levels of molasses can be used for growing dairy cattle, if adequate amts. of true protein are supplied.