Response of Chicks to Graded Concentrations of Cane Final Molasses

CANE final molasses is cheap, plentiful, and easily mixed into chicken rations. Despite these commendable attributes, it is rarely incorporated into present-day rations; and, when fed, it is mixed in low concentrations. If molasses can be fed at comparatively high levels, this should benefit greatly the poultry and cane sugar industries, and enhance their positions economically. The following studies and reviews have contributed to the generally held belief that for best results chickens should not be fed comparatively high levels of cane final molasses. Ewing (1951) recommended that not more than 2.5 percent be fed on a year-round basis. Scott (1953), following a more comprehensive review of the literature, concluded that levels of 4 to 5 percent molasses in starting and growing rations produced results which were “at least equivalent to those obtained with similar rations without molasses.” This conclusion was based on the results and interpretation of data reported …