Senthilkumar, S.Suganya, T.Deepa, K.Muralidharan, J.Sasikala, K.TANUVAS2017-09-042017-09-042016-062278-3687http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810030369Molasses is a sticky dark by-product of processing sugar cane or sugar beets into sugar. Molasses can be a source of quick energy and an excellent source of minerals for farm animals. Molasses can also be a key ingredient for cost effective management of feeds and pastures. The calcium content of sugar cane molasses is high (up to one percent), whereas the phosphorus content is low. Cane molasses is also high in sodium, potassium, magnesium and sulphur. Beet molasses is higher in potassium and sodium but lower in calcium. Molasses also contains significant quantities of trace minerals such as copper, zinc, iron and manganese. Supplementing poor quality hay with molasses will increase feed intake and improve palatability. Microbes in the rumen break down the sugars in molasses rapidly, which extensively causes a rapid release of energy that makes molasses very useful for balancing other feeds in the dairy diet all year round. Feeding molasses to farm animals will improve digestion of pastures/hay; increase milk production, help maintain body condition and appetite and result in less feed waste. Cane sugar, which has similar benefits to molasses, is an inexpensive alternative to use.en-USVeterinary ScienceAnimal NutritionArticle