COMPARATIVE FEEDING VALUE OF WOOD SUGAR CONCENTRATE AND CANE MOLASSESFOR FEEDLOT CATTLE

Two feedlot cattle growth performance trials and a metabolism trial we re conducted to evaluate the feeding value of cane molasses (CM) compa red with wood sugar concentrate (WSC). The CM contained (as-fed basis) 73% DM, 8.6% ash, 48% total sugars, and 79.5 degrees Brix. The WSC co ntained (as-fed basis) 61% DM, 12.2% ash, 38.9% total sugars, and 29% lignosulfonate. When supplemented at 4% of diet DM, treatment effects on ruminal and total tract OM digestion and feedlot performance were s imilar. When supplemented at 8% of diet DM, ADG was similar across tre atments, whereas feed efficiency tended (P < .10) to favor the CM diet . The NE(m) value of the diet was 2% higher (P < .01) with CM suppleme ntation. It is concluded that WSC may be a useful alternative to molas ses in diets for cattle. The feeding value of WSC seems to exceed that based on its hydrolyzable sugars content. Given that the NE(m) and NE (g) values (DM basis) for CM are 1.70 and 1.08 Mcal/kg, respectively, the corresponding values for WSC are 1.25 and .68 Mcal/kg, respectivel y.