Molasses — Livestock Feed Analysis
Molasses is a thick, sweet syrup that is a byproduct of sugar refining from either sugarcane or sugar beets. With 5% crude protein and 72% TDN at 75% dry matter, molasses is primarily used as a palatability enhancer and binder in livestock feeds rather than as a primary nutrient source. Molasses improves feed intake when added to unpalatable feeds, reduces dust in dry feed mixes, and serves as a carrier for mineral supplements and medications. Cane molasses is the most common type in livestock feeding, while beet molasses has a slightly different mineral profile. Molasses-based liquid supplements are widely used in beef cattle operations as a convenient method of delivering protein, minerals, and energy to cattle on pasture. Feeding rates should be limited to 1-2 lbs per head per day for cattle, as excessive molasses consumption can cause loose stools and reduce fiber digestion.
Which Animals Can Molasses Feed?
The table below shows how Molasses performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 5% crude protein and 72% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 5% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 72% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where molasses fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 32.0 lbs | No | Yes | $72.00 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 65.3 lbs | No | Yes | $147.00 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 29.3 lbs | No | Yes | $66.00 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 7.0 lbs | No | Yes | $15.75 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 8.0 lbs | No | Yes | $18.00 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 7.0 lbs | No | Yes | $15.75 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 16.0 lbs | No | No | $36.00 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 10.0 lbs | No | No | $22.50 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.3 lbs | No | Yes | $0.60 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.4 lbs | No | No | $0.90 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.2 lbs | No | No | $2.63 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.4 lbs | No | Yes | $0.95 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.4 lbs | No | Yes | $0.84 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 8.4 lbs | No | Yes | $18.90 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.6 lbs | No | Yes | $8.10 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 10.0 lbs | No | Yes | $22.50 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 48.0 lbs | No | Yes | $108.00 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 26.7 lbs | No | Yes | $60.00 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 6.7 lbs | No | Yes | $15.00 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 8.0 lbs | No | Yes | $18.00 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Molasses with other feeds in the byproduct category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Distillers Grains (Dried) | 90% | 27% | 86% | $200 | $222 |
| Beet Pulp | 91% | 9% | 74% | $280 | $308 |
| Wheat Bran | 89% | 16% | 67% | $180 | $202 |
| Rice Bran | 91% | 13% | 65% | $200 | $220 |
| Molasses | 75% | 5% | 72% | $150 | $200 |
| Corn Gluten Feed | 88% | 21% | 80% | $200 | $227 |
| Brewers Grains (Wet) | 24% | 26% | 66% | $60 | $250 |
Feeding Guidelines for Molasses
When incorporating molasses into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 75%, each pound of as-fed molasses provides 0.75 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 5% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 0.8 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 72% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of molasses at $150 per ton translates to $0.075 per pound as-fed or $0.100 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.