Use of condensed molasses fermentation solubles as an alternative source of concentrates in dairy cows

Objective: The purpose of present study was to investigate the effects of condensed molasses fermentation solubles (CMS) on lactation performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and serum parameters of dairy cows. Methods: A total of 75 healthy Holstein cows with the same parity (milk production = 35 +/- 2.5 kg, body weight = 570 +/- 28 kg) were randomly selected and divided into 5 groups. One group served as control group (CON; no CMS), whereas the other 4 groups were CMS1 (accounted for 1% of the diet), CMS2 (2%), CMS3 (3%), and CMS4 (4%). All cows were fed regularly three times each day at 0800, 1600, and 2400 h. Cows received diet and water ad libitum. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Results: Results showed that the dry matter intake, milk yield, and protein of CMS2 were maximum and higher (p<0.05) than CMS4. The ruminal pI I was observed less than 6 in CMS3 and CMS4 groups. No noticeable difference of microbial protein was found between CON and CMS2 groups, while the microbial protein in these groups was higher (p<0.05) than CMS3 and CMS4 groups. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein in CMS2 group was higher (p<0.05) than CMS3 and CMS4 groups. Compared to CMS3 and CMS4 groups, the CMS2 group increased (p<0.05) the scrum concentrations of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M on d 60. Conclusion: Therefore, it is practicable that CMS substitutes for a part of concentrates in lactating cows' diets, but higher addition of CMS (more than 3% of the diet) could decrease production performance of dairy cows as seen in the present study.

Automated summary

The study found that adding condensed molasses fermentation solubles to dairy cow feed can increase dry matter intake, milk yield, and protein levels, as well as boost serum concentrations of immunoglobulin G and M. However, higher levels of CMS in the diet (over 3%) may decrease production performance of dairy cows.