Supplementation of Molasses-Based Liquid Feed for Cattle Fed on Limpograss Hay

Abstract

Two experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of (1) different levels of liquid supplementation (LS) based on molasses enriched with 32% (as fed; 45% on DM basis) crude protein (CP) on intake of Hemarthria altissima hay (LH), digestibility, and rumen fermentation, and (2) different levels of LS based on molasses enriched with 32% CP in the in vitro gas production in LH diets. In Exp. 1, twelve heifers and 12 adult male castrated and cannulated cattle were used. Treatments were allocated in a randomized block design, in four treatments: (CTL) access ad libitum to the LH; (SUP2) ad libitum access to LH and supplementation with 0.9 kg d−1; (SUP4) ad libitum access to LH and supplementation with 1.8 kg d−1 and; (SUP6) ad libitum access to LH with 2.7 kg d−1. In Exp. 2, treatments were carried out in a randomized block design with four different proportions of LH diet: (CTL) 100 LH, (SUP2) 85 LH and 15 LS, (SUP4) 70 LH and 30 LS, (SUP6) 55 LH and 45% LS. In Exp. 1, liquid molasses-based supplementation did not affect LH intake (p > 0.05). Molasses intake improved as the supply increased, not reducing the intake of LH. In Exp. 2, the addition of LS to the LH caused a change in the VFA profile, with an increase in propionate production in vitro.