An Evaluation of B-Grade Molasses in Chick Starter Rations

RECENT investigations have shown that certain by-products of the sugar cane industry may serve as a source of carbohydrates for growing and laying chickens. Palafox and Rosenberg (1954) reported that New Hampshire chicks fed experimental rations containing as much as 47 percent low-grade sugar-bagasse pith (10:1 by weight) grew as well as those fed a standard starter ration and with excellent feed efficiency to 42 days of age. Older birds, under test from 8 to 15 weeks of age, grew faster than their controls when they were fed rations in which one third of the yellow corn meal (19.5 percent of total ration) was replaced by either low-grade sugar or low-grade sugar-bagasse pith, and growth was not depressed when two thirds of the corn meal was substituted by these products. However, growth rate was significantly depressed when all the corn was replaced by either sugar product. When low-grade sugar-bagasse pith …