The use of final molasses (FM) and homemade protein molasses (HPM) in calffeeding

Twenty four Holstein calves of 120 days of age I were used in a completely randomized design with 12 repetitions and an adjustment was made by covaria nce to the initial liveweight. Treatments were: molasses/3% urea and final molasses (FM): homemade protein molasses (HPM) (50:50) both ad libitum. The animals were housed in individual slatted floor pens Liveweights and final daily gains were: 190.7 and 189.7 kg and 568 and 517 g, respectively. DM, CP and ME intakes were higher (P < 0.001) in calves receiving FM:HPM (50:50 ) from 121 to 210 days while that the consumption of this supplement was hi gher(P < 0.001). In the period from 211 to 300 days CP and ME intakes were higher (P < 0.05) in carves of the molasses/3% urea treatment. It is conclu ded that calf supplementation with both products is possible, when animals are fed fresh forage, although there was a protein unbalance during the per iod of 211 to 300 days in calves receiving the FM:HPM (50:50) mixture.