MOLASSES FOR PIGS. 



It is generally stated that pigs can take and assimilate consider- 

 able quantities of .molasses without suffering any ill effects and that 

 the molasses does not exert any digestion depression upon the other 

 feed stuffs. 



In order to corroborate the former fact, two pigs each weighing 

 some 50 pounds were fed a daily ration beginning Sept. 21. of 5 

 quarts of skim milk, 20 ounces of hominy meal and 2 ounces of 

 Porto Rico molasses. The milk, meal and molasses were gradually 

 increased until Nov. 4, when each pig was receiving daily 8 quarts 

 of milk, 2 pounds of meal and about 14 ounces (425 grams) of 

 molasses. At this date each animal was growing well (one weighing 

 no pounds and the other 130 pounds) and showing no bad effects 

 from the molasses diet. This method of feeding was continued 

 until Jan. 10, the amount of molasses being increased every few 

 days, at which time each pig received daily 8 quarts of milk, 40 

 ounces of meal and 67 ounces of molasses (2000 grams). It then 

 appeared that an excess of molasses was being fed ; the animals 

 breathed short, their hair appeared rough and the skin quite dark in 

 color as though the circulation was poor. On Jan. 22, they weighed 

 237 pounds and 266 pounds, but it was apparent that they were 

 receiving a noticeable excess of the molasses and were not assimilat- 

 ing it. The amount was therefore reduced to 57 ounces daily (1600 

 grams) and the hominy meal increased. The animals immediately 

 improved and their general condition remained satisfactory until they 

 were slaughtered Feb. 12. It was not possible to detect any abnor- 

 mal condition of their internal organs, nor of their dressed carcasses. 

 No particular study was made relative to the quality or chemical 

 composition of the fat. It was noted that neither of the animals 

 was excessively fat. 



The above trial simply confirms the claim that pigs can take com- 

 paratively large amounts of cane molasses without trouble. It is 

 necessary however to begin with small amounts and increase slowly 

 every few days. On the appearance of any bad effects such as dis- 

 turbed circulation manifesting itself in a dark color of the skin and 

 shortness of breath, the quantity should be reduced. The animals 

 consumed daily without apparent trouble, nearly 1.5 pounds of cane 

 molasses for each 100 pounds of live weight, but this quantity 



