A note on metabolisable energy value of molasses for ostriches

Metabolisable energy value of sugar cane molasses was determined in a balan ce study with seven month old ostriches. A true metabolisable energy value, corrected for zero nitrogen (N) retention (TMEN), of 7.77 MJ/kg on an air dry basis was calculated. Literature stated values of 8.3 and 9.8 MJ/kg on a 75% dry matter basis for poultry and pigs, respectively. It seems that in clusion level, as found with ruminants, might have an influence on energy v alue of molasses for ostriches. The energy value determined for molasses co uld be add to the list of feedstuffs already evaluated for ostriches.