MOLASSES AS A FOOD.

Shannon News, 20 March 1925, Page 1

MOLASSES AS A FOOD.

INVALUABLE FOR LIVE STOCK. One of the greatest economic factors in modern stockraising and farming is the value of molasses as fodder for horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs. It has been long recognised in Europe and America, while the use of it in South Africa, though less general, ib increasing. Not only can stock be kept alive on it in times of drought, but even when other food is abundant a material so rich in sugar as molasses proves a valuable adjunct. Besides , being in itself a cheap and nourishing article of diet, it serves as a condiment to dry and unpalatable food, and has the special advantage over otner rich feeding stuffs that it maintain the bowels in a healthy condition, stimulating digestion and improving the general health. Molasses may he poured over other food in a trough or it may be dissolved in boiling water-about half and half-and mixed with hay, chaff, or any dry fodder. When animals are not stall fed it can be given in drinking water, but must be mixed daily, as required,, or it will become sour and injurious.

in poor condition pick up rapidly on this diet. Not more than lib per day should be given at first, increasing- up to 101 b per day. Dairy cows yield milk of greater quantity and better quality. Maximum quantity recommended is 51b per day. Store cattle fed with it rapidly put on flesh. Calves thrive on it when given in th e proportion of one pint, stirred into a gallon of skimmed milk, thus replacing- fat removed in the cream. Maximum quantity, 21b per day. Pigs may be fed with u. -Si the same way as calves or the molasses may be mixed with dry food. Maximum quantity, lib per day. It should not be given to brood sows. Sheep take it readily when dissolved in water-about half and half-and mixed with chaff. Maximum quantity, lib per day.