Fermentability of Masonex and Cane Molasses

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Abstract
Fermentability of Masonex (obtained from plants in Laurel, MS and Ukiah, CA) and cane molasses was compared by adding 0, 15, 30 or 45 mg (0, 5, 10, 15% of substrate) of the liquid feed ingredients to in vitro batch culture fermentors. Differences between liquid supplements were not statistically significant indicating that the major sugars in Masonex and cane molasses (xylose and mannose vs sucrose) were fermented similarly. Regression analysis indicated that 90 to 94% of the dry matter contained in 15 and 30 mg of Masonex and cane molasses was fermented. Carbohydrates contained in 15 and 30 mg of Masonex or cane molasses (5 and 10% levels) were apparently fermented (P<.05) to methane, acetate and butyrate whereas increasing supplement level from 30 to 45 mg caused increased (P<.05) production of propionate but not of methane, acetate or butyrate. Decreased (P<.05) production of isobutyrate and isovalerate substantiated the protein binding properties of Masonex and suggested that cane molasses might also provide some protection against ruminal degradation of proteins. Stoichiometric calculations suggested that Masonex and cane molasses provided equivalent amounts of energy for increased cell yields. Our results indicated that (1) the phenolic fraction of Masonex does not interfere with utilization of the carbohydrate fraction and (2) Masonex and cane molasses have equivalent energy values for ruminants. Copyright © 1979. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1979 by American Society of Animal Science.