15 



organic matter other than sugar in the molasses increases the fat per- 

 centage and the butter producing quality of the milk. 



P. Hoppe^^"'"' ^'* demonstrates that the addition of small quantities 

 of molasses (2 pounds daily per 1000 pounds live weight) causes a 

 small increase in the daily milk production, but that the yield is 

 noticeably decreased when the amount supplied daily reaches four 

 pounds per 1000 pounds live weight. Contrary to Ramni and Hager- 

 mann, Hoppe notes a decrease in the fat percentage of the milk. 

 He further concludes that an intensive molasses diet is not suitable 

 either for dairy animals or for any other farm stock. 



All things considered, the writer does not see any advantage 

 to be gained by Northern farmers from the use of molasses as a 

 food for dairy stock in place of corn meal and similar carbohy- 

 drates. As an appetizer for cow^s out of condition and for facili- 

 tating the disposal of unpalatable and inferior roughage and 

 grain, 2 — 3 pounds of molasses daily undoubtedly vi^ould prove 

 helpful and economical. 



For fatte?iijig beef cattle. Some 3 pounds daily of molasses may 

 be fed advantageously, especially during the finishing process, when 

 the appetite is likely to prove fickle. The object at such times 

 should be to make the food especially palatable and thus induce a 

 maximum consumption and also to secure a bright, sleek appearance. 



MOLASSES FOR HORSES. 



German investigators have studied the value of both cane and 

 beet molasses as a component of the daily ration for horses. 



Kellner'" remarks that " in addition to the food value of molasses 

 it possesses another very valuable characteristic in that it prevents 

 colic or renders the attacks much less severe. Whoever has once 

 fed molasses to his horses and observed its favorable effect is not 

 inclined to discontinue its use. One must, however, feed it in mod- 

 erate quantities, since an excessive amount will act as a purgative 

 as well as a diuretic." This investigator considers 3 pounds daily a 

 fair allowance for horses weighing 1000 pounds. 



French investigators,^^ as a result of extensive experiments, call 

 attention to the 'injurious effect on the kidneys and digestive organs 

 of excessive quantities of molasses (12 to 20 lbs. daily). They 

 emphasize the value of molasses as a condiment mixed with other- 



^-i Beitrage zur Frage des Werthes dei' Melasse a Is Futtern.ittel. 1 eipzig, 1900. 



^5 Die Ernahrung der Landw. Niitzthiere, page 351. 



^^ Les Ailments du Cheval. Dechambre et Ciirot, pages 27S-292. 



