THE OIL MEALS 237 



439. How to feed molasses. — The feeding of molasses pre- 

 sents some difficulty. The best way is to thin it with warm water 

 and pour it over the roughage. Used in this way, an extra amount 

 of roughage will be consumed. Particularly, molasses will add 

 palat ability and increase the consumption of poor roughage. 

 Molasses diluted with water may be used to soak up beet pulp. 

 This is a frequent practice in feeding test cows. 



We are in favor of 5 to 10 per cent of molasses in the dairy 

 ration provided it can be bought at a reasonable price. We are 

 willing to pay somewhat more for it than its digestible nutrients 

 would warrant, due to its special properties. These properties 

 are of particular value where no silage is fed. In the ordinary 

 ration with silage available, we do not recommend the purchase 

 of molasses where it costs more than corn. 



440. Beet molasses. — This product is the residue from the 

 crystallization of sugar out of beet ju : ce. It contains fully as 

 much sugar as cane molasses but has a distinct disadvantage as 

 a feed due to its content of alkaline salts which give it a purgative 

 action. Thus, beet molasses can be fed in limited quantities only. 



441. Dried beet pulp. — After extracting the juice from the 

 sugar beets there remains a residue which when dried contains 

 9 per cent of protein, 60 per cent of nitrogen free extract, and 19 

 per cent of crude fiber, with about 1 per cent of fat. On the 

 basis of its nutrient content it ranks somewhat below corn in 

 feeding value and its high fiber content limits the amount that 

 can be used in the ration. However, beet pulp is a very useful feed 

 because of its palatability, bulk and laxative effect. These qualities 

 cause it to be highly esteemed to lighten up a heavy ration fed 

 cows on test. It has another property which gives it special value. 

 It will absorb two or three times its weight of water. Thus moist- 

 ened beet pulp may be used to furnish succulence where no silage 

 or roots are to be had. Similarly, diluted molasses can be fed 

 on it as has been mentioned. 







SU» CoM* 



