>
>Anyone have experience is using molasses as the sole energy source to
>balance the protein overload of milk cows on pasture? I understand that is
>better than corn because it is sugar, not starch based energy that will not
>offset rumen ph like a slug of grain. Any ideas on feeding up to 5 #/day?
>
>Dave Johnson
>Provident Farms
>1254 Blacks Creek Rd.
>Liberty, PA 16930
>provident@epix.net
>570-324-2285 570-772-9004 cell
>
There is a full page story on Dave Forgey's feeding program which is 6 lbs.
of grain per cow per day loaded with molasses (page 12 Feb. 2002 issue of
GRAZE). GRAZE is the best source of accurate information on grazing in
the US. They sell back issues and you can contact them at;
graze@mhtc.net
to get that back issue and/or to subscribe.
Now, keep in mind that feeding molasses at high levels is not a simple
deal. Forgey has over $24,000 invested in his system. Molasses can be a
challenge to deal with during summer's hot spells.
Now, you are right. Grain should not be slug fed. The best way to feed
grain is combined with corn silage. Pasture is high protein and low
fiber. Grain is energy. Corn silage is energy plus fiber. A good
marriage with pasture intake when the supplement is fed at modest levels.
Dave Gneiser
WisCOWsin
