Molasses as a drought feed.

Abstract

Animal Production in Australia Vol. I5 MOLASSES AS A DROUGHT FEED J.R. WYTHES* and A.J. ERNST* Drought is a recurring feature of the Queensland pastoral scene and has a dramatic impact on production. From the national point of view, the major aim of any drought mitigation policy must be to ensure the survival of a nucleus of breeding livestock at minimum cost. However, individual producers have to decide at some time whether to sell part or all of their herd or to feed them. If they decide to feed, they have traditionally used grain or hay. However, molasses is a cheap source of energy, rich in sulphur, though grossly deficient in nitrogen (Wythes et al. 1978). For many years, molasses was used principally as a carrier for urea supplements during the winter dry season (Winks 1984). Urea/molasses was usually fed in drum lickers. It was necessary to commence feeding before cattle began to lose weight; capital, labour and freight costs were high; lickers required frequent filling to ensure a continuity of supply and occasional deaths occurred due to urea toxicity. In the recent drought years (1979-83) in Queensland, molasses was fed as a major source of energy in the diet. Urea was added to provide rumen degradable nitrogen and at higher levels (c. 8%) to restrict intake, with some mixtures also including protein meal to provide non degradable nitrogen. These mixtures are collectively known as 'fortified molasses' (FM) and are intended to provide a survival ration. The molasses can be handled in bulk quantities from the sugar mill to the paddock where FM is fed in open troughs. We estimated that at least 1 m cattle were fed in this way at some time in 1982-83. In view of the success and popularity of the FM system, it is timely to review the research on molasses feeding and to document the field experiences, problems and costs of using FM mixtures. It is pertinent also to review the situation and problems in relation to the demand, distribution and storage of molasses supplies. We hope that the knowledge and experience gained in the recent drought will benefit producers in future droughts. EXPERIMENTATION WITH MOLASSES AS A DROUGHT FEED FOR CATTLE B. GULBRANSEN** The main principles involved in survival feeding are well known and have been summarized by Morris (1968). It is interesting to note, however, that Morris did not even mention molasses as a potential drought feed, but in 16 years it has become a widely used drought feed in Queensland. The role of research in this change, both in the field and on research stations, has largely been to adapt a known technology to a different feedstuff. In a drought the rate at which an animal loses live weight (LW) depends on the balance between nutrient supply and requirements, and hence on the animal's size and physiological state. Its initial body reserves and the rate of LW loss together determine its survival time. In most drought situations the grazing animal has two sources of nutrients which contribute towards its performance, paddock roughage and a supplement. In practice only the supplement can be manipulated to modify performance and the performance level required should be the main criterion governing the quantity of energy (molasses) fed. * Qld Dept Primary Industries, G.P.O. Box 46, Brisbane, Qld 4001. ** Qld Dept Primary Industries, Animal Research Institute, Yeerongpilly, 4105. 213 Animal Production in Australia Vol. I5 Producers need information so that they can choose between possible feeding strategies. They need to know the levels of animal performance consistent with particular objectives such as survival, conception, pregnancy and calf rearing. They also need to know the minimum nutrient requirements to achieve these performance levels and how well alternative feedstuffs supply these requirements. Current research is broadly aimed at providing this information, It is best carried out in pens, where feed inputs are readily controlled and measured, because in paddocks pasture intake is largely unknown. Requirements established in this way generally represent the practical upper limits of hand feeding (with allowance for the energy cost of activity), since paddock feed normally makes some contribution to the animal's diet. Research in the grazing situation has sought to measure responses by different classes of cattle to different types and quantities of supplement. In an effort to show the variety of current research, I propose to discuss briefly the results of a range of selected projects carried out by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI), Dry cattle Steers and non-pregnant, non-lactating females have less stringent nutritional requirements than other classes of cattle, so they have often been used in exploratory experiments, even though they generally receive least attention during drought. Some of the earliest relevant work was that of Beames (1960). He showed that heifers increased their consumption of poor quality hay when the concentration of urea was progressively increased from 0 to 33% in a molasses supplement. However, they reduced their intake and rate of consumption of the molasses mixture, maintaining a reasonably steady intake of urea. Manipulation of molasses intake.by varying the concentration of urea is now widely recommended in the field. Beames' work also showed that cattle on diets of poor quality roughage can safely consume large quantities of molasses/urea. Current pen feeding work has concentrated on energy and nitrogen inputs, since early work (Gulbransen unpub. data) showed there was no response to a complex mineral mix by cattle fed a molasses based diet at a sub-maintenance level. Gulbransen (1983a) demonstrated that the LW loss of heifers (mean LW 247 kg) was reduced by increasing the amount of molasses fed (-0.25 and -0.12 kg/d for 2.0 and 3.2 kg molasses/d respectively) and by including 3% urea in the molasses (-0.22 vs - 0.11 kg/d). Molasses toxicity was not a problem even in the absence of roughage. The inclusion of 0.3 kg roughage/d and the dilution of the molasses with water did not affect LW. The experiment lasted for 23 wk and demonstrated that cattle can survive for long periods on diets consisting almost solely of molasses. In another experiment (Gulbransen 1983b), steers (mean LW 193 kg) were fed for 11 wk on rations ranging from molasses/urea (3%) alone to 40% molasses/urea and 60% sorghum grain at rates equivalent to 1.5 or 3.0 kg of molasses/urea/d. The mean LW losses were -0.49 kg/d at the low level of feeding and -0.17 kg/d at the high level. Within feeding levels, molasses/urea was substituted for sorghum grain in the ratio 1.2:1 on a DM basis. During drought it is desirable to wean calves younger Weaners and calves than normal to remove the stress of lactation from their dams, but it is necessary to supplement or fully hand feed these calves to ensure their survival. Molasses can be used as the basis for their diets, since Gulbransen (unpub. data) showed that calves as young as 5 wk can be successfully weaned onto a diet of 70% molasses, 10% meat and bone meal (MBM) and 20% lucerne chaff. These calves 2:4 Animal Production in Australia Vol. 15 gained weight at 0.09 kg/d, while 10 wk old calves gained at 0.22 kg/d. A source of true protein appears to be necessary for such young animals. In a grazing study in northern Queensland, McLennan et al. (1984) fed supplements of molasses/urea with and without MBM for 25 wk during the dry season to weaner heifers (mean LW 136 kg) grazing spear grass (Heteropogon contortus). The heifers were fed 0.96 kg molasses, 27 g urea, and 0.20 kg MBrJl/d twice weekly for the first 16 wk, but thereafter daily because each feed was eaten in less than The unsupplemented heifers lost 16 kg LW while the molasses/urea group 24 h. gained 7 kg and the molasses/urea/MBM group 28 kg. Breeding females Pregnant and lactating females are more susceptible to drought than any other class of cattle and experimental work is currently concentrating on aspects of their management. In the dry tropics the digestibility and nitrogen content of pastures fall rapidly during the dry winter-spring and cattle lose considerable LW despite having an abundance of feed (Winks 1984). Lindsay et al. (1982) have shown that in this situation supplements of protected protein can produce large improvements in roughage intake, cow performance and calf birth weight. It is likely that pregnant and lactating females will also respond to protected protein fed as a supplement to molasses, and McLennan W-Wb. data) has examined this with cows grazing spear grass pastures in northern Queensland. The cows were in store body condition(mean LW 284 kg) and had 8 to 14 wk old calves. The cows had lost an average of 35 kg LW in the 3 wk prior to supplementary feeding and were supplemented for 16 wk. Mean daily intakes of supplements were as follows (1) Ow6 kg MBM, (2) 2.5 kg molasses + 120 g urea, (3) 2.8 kg molasses + 140 g urea + 0.25 kg MBM. Cow LW changes for the period were -16.0 kg, -7.5 kg, and -4.0 kg respectively, while calf LW changes were 39.0 kg, 46.5 kg, and 49.0 kg. In another experiment Gulbransen (unpub. data) fed cows (mean LW 310 kg, condition score 3.6 on an 8 point scale) and heifers (mean LW 250 kg, condition score 2.6) in pens on diets ranging from 3.0 kg/d of molasses/urea (3%) to 6.0 kg/d of molasses/urea (l.S%)/CSM (13%). The diets had no roughage component and were fed for 26 wk commencing 14 wk prior to the anticipated calving dates. After 9 wk the rations of most low level treatments were increased to 6.0 kg/d to prevent excessive LW losses and deaths. Only in treatments fed 4.5 or 6.0 kg/d of molasses/urea/CSM did the LW of the dam plus foetus increase up to calving, but even in these treatments calf birth weights were severely reduced. At all levels of energy intake, LW changes and survival rates of cows and calves were markedly improved by the inclusion of CSM. It is clear that molasses/urea alone cannot provide the protein needed to produce satisfactory performance by pregnant and lactating females or calves, but it is a suitable source of energy. Depending on the dietary contribution of pasture, the addition of protected protein may produce worthwhile survival responses. Since the feeding of molasses/urea in open troughs has become widespread, occasional deaths of cattle from urea toxicity have occurred following rain. Investigations by Gulbransen (unpub. data) show that failure to dissolve fully the urea in the molasses is the most likely predisposing factor, because it leaves a crust of urea on the surface. Well prepared mixtures are very stable, but they too can give rise to dangerous solutions in residual rainwater, depending mainly on the concentration of the molasses/urea solution and the time following rainfall. By way of example, 6 h following 25 mn of rainfall on molasses containing 8% dissolved urea the residual water layer could be expected to contain about 0.6% urea. This is more than twice the concentration presented in water 215 Animal Production in Australia Vol. I5 troughs by urea dispensers used in the sheep industry, and is probably enough to cause deaths of cattle in many circumstances. Conclusion In recent years the role of molasses in cattle feeding in Queensland has undergone a dramatic change. From being virtually a carrier for nitrogen and mineral supplements it has become a basic energy source in most drought feeding rations. It has an advantage compared with other concentrated sources of energy such as grain, in that it appears to be less rapidly consumed, thus reducing the effects of social dominance on intake of the supplement (Ernst When supplemented with urea and protected proteins, molasses can provide 1973). . diets suitable for all classes of cattle and for a wide range of animal performances. FORTIFIED MOLASSES SYSTEMS FOR BEEF PROPERTIES D.C. NICOL*, P.C. vENAMoRE** and R.C. BEASLEY*** A successful drought feeding system must be effective, flexible and simple, with low labour and capital costs. The experiences gained suggest that FM fulfils these factors to a greater extent than the previous system based on drum lickers (W . The drought management and feeding options on beef properties in relation to LW change for lactating cows are depicted diagrammatically in Fig. 1. The differences between the DL and the FM systems are also shown. DL feeding should start early (A) and in an energy drought it will have to be curtailed at some point on line AC. The 'do nothing' line from A to B denotes the strategy of graziers who do not usually feed until poverty deaths occur in cows. From recent field experiences, FM offers such graziers an alternative effective and flexible survival feeding system to grain or hay feeding. They do not need to sell their cattle, but can start to feed FM at any point along line AB. Three of the more popular combinations of molasses and nitrogen sources are shown in Fig. 1, together with the daily levels commonly fed to lactating cows and the resultant LW changes . 3% urea mix Preston (1972) suggested that 3% urea (U) weight by weight (w/w> of molasses provided sufficient nitrogen for complete fermentation when molasses is the major energy source and roughage is restricted. Early development of the FM system used 3% U in molasses fed ad libitum and the mix proved to be an effective substitute feed where paddocks were bare or bushfires had occurred. Mature cows, well adapted to molasses with 3 % U and fed ad libitum, had daily voluntary intakes in excess of 2% of LW in drought situations, with average intakes ranging from 1.2 to 2%. Cows fed at this level with minimal roughage For survival alone, gained in body condition and often showed signs of oestrus the mix was too expensive in some s i tuations, so restricted amounts were fed twice weekly. Depending on trough capacity and intake patterns, troughs could be empty 24 to 48 h after filling. Cattle then ate much more at the next feeding, however, weekly amounts of 20 to 30 kg were fed to cows. The 3% U ad libitum mix remains an option for producers, especially near bulk molasses terminals, because of the larger quantity of molasses to transport, where a greater level of substitute feeding may be necessary to ensure survival or in special circumstances to maintain high production levels during a drought. -~ * Qld Dept Primary Industries, P.O. Box 1143, Bundaberg, Qld 4670. ** Qld Dept Primary Industries, P.O. Box 689, Rockhampton, Qld 4700. *** Livestock and Meat Authority of Queensland, Mackay, Qld 4740. 216 Animal Production in Australia Vol. 15 Protein Drought Fig 1 Time Energy Drought Drought management options for Queensland beef properties 8% urea mix The 3% U mix may not be suitable for producers on large properties or some distance from a molasses source, as they require an ad libitum system with lower intake levels. In the absence of a satisfactory repellant or inhibitory agent, higher concentrations of urea were used to reduce or regulate molasses intakes. This effect has been known for some time (Beames 1960; Silvestre et al. 1977). Working with innovative producers in the Mackay district, Beasley a concentration of about 8% U gave satisfactory intakes. This mix has libitum successfully on many central Queensland properties, with few urea toxicity being recorded and herds of more than 1 000 head being for up to six months. Variations of between 5 % and 10% U were used cases to regulate intakes of molasses. found that been fed ad deaths from kept alive in specific The 8% U level was initially an arbitrary one, though it resulted in the daily intakes of 1.5 to 4 kg/d for lactating cows. The availability of paddock roughage and behavioural aspects may modify intakes under grazing in a drought. A case was encountered in the Emerald district with intakes up to 6 kg/d of the 8% U mix for steers without deaths occurring (Barnett pers. comm.). Overall, for yearlings and growing cattle intakes ranged from 1 to 2 kg/d. Feeding pattern Both the 3% and 8% U mixes were most successful when fed ad libitum and did cattle drastically change their foraging habits - they would have a lick and go. However, a drawback of the 3% U mix with intermittent (twice weekly) feeding is that cattle tend to remain near the troughs. The overall effect on intakes of different feeding patterns have only been ascertained in very large paddocks, where cattle do not graze the whole paddock, as well as under the intermittent feeding system. With the 8% U mix, higher intakes following periods 217 Animal Production in Australia Vol. 15 with empty troughs can lead to possible toxicity problems, particularly if mixing is not thorough (Beasley unpub. data). For these reasons, an ad libitum system is always recommended for the 8% U mix. An objective comparison between the 8% U mix fed ad libitum and the 3% U mix fed intermittently is needed to determine their appropriate roles in drought feeding programmes. Incorporating a protein rich meal Research has demonstrated the beneficial effects of feeding a protein source which 'escapes rumen degradation (Leng et al. Cottonseed meal and MBM have been incorporated in molasses mixtures 1977) containing up to 3% U. The levels of protein meal (PM) have ranged from 2 to 13% (w/w) of molasses. A combination of urea/protected protein gives a better response than each nitrogen source alone (Lindsay and Loxton 1981). The mixes incorporating PM were rarely fed ad libitum because of the cost, but generally twice weekly to give lactating cows 30 to 40 kg of the mixture per week. Mixes incorporating high levels of PM were generally fed to improve the body condition of cattle. l Effectiveness All mixes were effective for survival in a wide range of environments. On sparse pastures, lactating cows were seen to cycle on all FM mixes. All mixes stopped poverty deaths once FM feeding commenced. After 4 to 5 mth of feeding the 8% U mix, there were some reports of poverty in cows where paddock roughage was scarce (see next paper). In most cases the 8% U mix fed ad libitum appeared to reduce LW losses and enabled cows to survive for 4 to 6 mth with practically no paddock feed. Estimates of non-consumers varied from zero in some areas to 3 to 5% in the spear grass zone and as high as 10% on better soil types. Problems We consider that thorough mixing of the ration is the most critical factor associated with successful FM feeding. As expected with a ration incorporating urea, some deaths from urea toxicity were reported. The major cause appeared to be inadequate mixing, since most cases occurred with hand-mixing. Very few deaths were reported whenever PM were included in the mixture. A second factor was rain falling on the mix, but deaths after rain were generally associated with hand mixed licks. Some deaths have been attributed to molasses toxicity with the 3% mix fed ad libitum in the Bundaberg and Rockhampton districts. On-farm storage and distribution The least-cost and most popular on-farm storage was one or more concrete tanks (23 000 L) treated with a protective inner coating of bitumastic paint or epoxy resins. Molasses flows by gravity through outlets of 75 to 150 mn, but in some cases pumps have been installed to increase the transfer rate. Steel, fibreglass and treated galvanised tanks are also used on large properties, whereas 200 L drums were often used in the south and west of the state and on small properties. Tank to paddock distribution is by low-cost, ground or power-take-off (PTO) driven mixers (see Pharoah and Barrow 1977) with capacities from 900 to 2 000 L, For PTO mixers the molasses, urea and/or FM are mixed for 20 to 30 min prior to paddock distribution. For ground-driven mixers, the tanker full of ingredients should be driven at least 8 km. Alternatively, the separate ingredients are transported to the feeding trough and mixed in situ using an auger + mixing paddle attachment to a chainsaw. Conclusion The FM Queensland in the 1979-83 other substitute feeds, flexibility. We estimated system was a most successful one for stock owners in drought. Its success was based on its cost relative to lower labour requirements than other fodders and good that drought deaths due to poverty on properties which 218 Animal Production in Australia Vol. I5 fed cattle, were substantially lower under alternative systems used in previous droughts. the FM system than under the FIELD EXPERIENCES WITH FORTIFIED MOLASSES J.L. KNIGHT*, R.M. DOM'**, P.C. SMITH*** and E.E. POWELL+ During the 1979-83 drought many producers throughout Queensland used FM as a drought feed; particularly for their most vulnerable stock, breeding females, weaners and young calves. Feeding programmes varied according to resources on the property, dry matter availability and more importantly the body condition of animals. While the main drought feeds were molasses, grain (sorghum, barley, oats and wheat), hay and edible scrub, the usage of any one feed type is unknown. Some producers were prepared to pay as much as $300/t for hay. QDPI beef cattle officers were involved in many field observations with cattle and sheep fed FM. As this experience forms the basis of our knowledge of FM feeding programmes, it is appropriate to document our observations, using selected case studies, as well as to draw conclusions and make recommendations for future droughts. In northern Queensland the 3% or 8% U mixes were fed on many properties while some used 3% U and 8% MBM. In central Queensland, the commonest mix was 8% u. Mechanical mixing was used widely towards the end of the drought and the frequency of feeding aimed to ensure FM was available at all times. In some instances urea concentrations were varied to achieve the desired intakes of molasses at different feeding points on a property. For example to obtain the same intakes of molasses on one northern coastal property, 3 to 5% U mixes were used in 1982, while 4% U was satisfactory in 1981, but 8% U was needed in 1979 (Tyler pers. comm.). In contrast in southern Queensland, the usual mix was 1.5% U with 13% CSM for weak cattle and 5% CSM for those in strong condition. It was hand mixed in situ and fed twice weekly. Initially CSM was used, simply because it was as cheap as urea, readily available and safer to feed. To our knowledge, 8% U mixes were not used in southern Queensland. The following case studies illustrate a range of situations under which FM was fed, the problems encountered, solutions devised, responses of the cattle and feeding costs. We must stress that they were observations and should not be interpreted with the same vigour as strict experimental studies. Northern Queensland (Smith 1983) On a property in the Mt Surprise area 2 000 breeding females and weaners were fed FM for 3 mth commencing in October 1982. There was very little feed available, the cattle were in poor condition and deaths were occurring, despite the earlier feeding of salt, urea and phosphorus licks. After an initial FM mixture of 12% U, mechanically mixed, was fed to a 'test' group of 50 cows, 10 died. Then a 3 d supply of a 2% U mix was fed and no more died. Despite the fear of urea toxicity, an 8% U mix was immediately fed and the occasional death during the next few weeks was attributed to a lack of trough space and failure to maintain a continuous supply of FM. The weaners were fed initially an 8% U mix with 8% MBM for 28 d, during which time mortalities ceased and body condition improved markedly, and then returned to the 8% U mix, without further deaths. The average intake for the herd was 2 kg FM/d, with FM being fed every 3 d to ensure ad libitum access. -P--P cuyI-------p-e -v--v * Qld Dept Primary Industries, P-0. Box 210, St George, Qld 4393. ** Qld Dept Primary Industries, P.O. Box 668, Mackay, Qld 4740. Qld Dept Primary Industries, p.0. Box 183, Charters Towers, Qld 4820. *** Qld Dept Primary Industries, p.0. Box 597, Dalby, Qld 4405. 219 Animal Production in Australia Vol. I5 Ona Charters Towers property, 3 000 mixed cattle, with access to limited roughage, were fed an FM mix of 3% U and 8% MBM for 5 mth. Some cattle had died of poverty before feeding started. Both hand and mechanical mixing were used without deaths from urea toxicity. With ad libitum feeding in open troughs, intakes averaged 2.5 kg/d. The outstanding factor emerging from this observation was the performance of lactating cows and their calves. The cows remained strong with an apparently good milk supply and their calves continued to grow and maintain forward store condition. The monthly cost of feeding 2 kg FM/d was $6.33/hd. Omitting the MBM would save c. 50c/hd, but is not justified in view of the improved performance of the cattle and the absence of urea toxicity. On another Mackay property, 11 cattle in a group of 120 died from urea toxicity when introduced to FM with 8% U that was mixed by hand. The urea was replaced with 1.5% MBM, but the cattle did not eat it. The MBM level was reduced then to only 0.3%, and on acceptance of this mix, MBM was gradually increased to 8% over 14 d. The mixture was fed ad libitum every 3 d for 4 wk until effective rains fell and intakes averaged 2.4 kg/d. Field experiences throughout central Queensland demonstrated principal effect of increasing the concentration of urea in molasses was the intake of FM (Nicol pers. comm.). While urea concentrations varied to 10%, producers found the 8% U mix most satisfactory and gave stable The monthly cost of this mix, at 2 kg intake/d, was $2,60/hd. that the to reduce from 2.5 intakes. A vealer producer whose calves achieve pre-weaning gains of 1.0 kg/d in normal seasons, fed 3% U and 10% CSM/MBM at 6 kg/cow/d. This enabled him to sell his vealers (270 kg LW) at $1.00/kg instead of 0,45c/kg LW, if he had been forced to sell earlier (200 kg LW). The costs of feeding the cows with FM were compared will those of conventional hay feeding on another property (Nicol and Wicksteed pers. comm.) . The FM was 0.8c/MJ metabolizable energy and 65c/kg crude protein whereas hay was 3.4 c and $1,46/kg, respectively. South western Queensland (Knight 1983) On a St George property 500 cows were fed FM with 1.5% U and 13% CSM, mixed by hand. Because the majority of cows were in late pregnancy and low body condition, acceptance of the mix had to be achieved quickly. FM was fed 3.0 kg/d twice weekly. The body condition of the cows improved rapidly and they were able to rear strong calves. All cattle accepted FM and a Yail'of weak animals did not develop in the herd. There were no deaths due to molasses and/or urea toxicity. The monthly cost of this mixture was $10.27/hd. The 12 wk old calves (mean LW 95 kg) were strategically weaned, fed FM with 13% CSM ad libitum in yards and later also given a 200 ha paddock with some dry feed. After 16 wk, the calves averaged 116 kg LW having gained 0.18 They ate 1.5 kg of the FM mix/d. kg/d l 220 Animal Production in Australia Vol. 15 In this area the landed price of molasses was $48/t and for wheat was $115/t. To compete, the price of wheat needed to be $75. Whenever feeding troughs were placed some distance from watering points, stock did not remain there and so restrict their grazing time. In contrast to research results (Gulbransen pers. comm.), we consider that some roughage should be present when feeding FM, because on one property a producer stopped cutting edible scrub and his cows developed scours and lost condition. Fortified molasses for sheep (Powell and Knight unpub. data). It is of interest that FM with CSM was a very successful, low cost; survival feed for sheep in southern Queensland. Pregnant and lambing ewes were kept alive and produced high lambing percentages (c. 90%) when fed 450 to 650 g of molasses with 15% csM/d. Dry sheep required 200 to 300 g of molasses with 10% CSM. Some producers partly replaced the CSM with urea, but urea toxicity problems resulted with as little as 1.5% U, probably due to inadequate mixing. Other producers claimed success with 5 to 6% U. General observations and conclusions Feeding FM reduced deaths in large herds of cows, weaners and calves throughout Queensland. From recent field expe r i ence , FM offers producers a simple, lower cost system for survival drought feeding, requiring less labour and capital than do grain or hay. It also increases the policy options available to producers, since FM mixes enable them to trade out of a drought rather than being forced to sell cattle hastily. More care and management expertise is required when feeding 3 or 8% U mixes than with those incorporating a PM, particularly as mortalities were mostly associated with hand mixing of the 3% and 8% U mixes. With the latter mix, it is essential that some FM is on offer at all times to attain stable daily feed intakes and to reduce the risk of deaths from urea toxicity. Another disadvantage with the 8% U mix is that a 'tail' develops in the herd after 3 to 4 mth, However, when segregated and also fed PM these animals usually improved. Molasses fortified with urea and PM is suitable for all forms of drought feeding; few deaths due to poverty or toxicity were reported; it had a dramatic 'pick-me-up' effect on weak animals; it can be successfully fed to calves as young as 2 to 3 mth of age, cows supporting older calves and to sheep and cattle grazing the same paddock. Problems were encountered with molasses of a very low viscosity, as cattle tended to drink it, thus quickly consuming 3 d supply and also overeating at the next feeding. Palatability problems were encountered with MBM, though its gradual introduction into the molasses was satisfactory. There were no problems with CSM or sunflower meal. The simplicity of Its spread was based occasional field days. with per week (Venamore FM feeding relative to the DL system aided its adoption. on media releases, producer-to-producer contact and At one office alone, an average of 40 enquiries were dealt pers. comm,) and so simple advice was essential. In southern and northern meensland some. producers feeding c. 3 kg FM with MBM/d found that calves did not appear to be causing an undue demand on their dams (Knight, Round, Smith pers. comm.). Many producers had already weaned most of their calves. This raises the question of the need to wean early and the appropriate age range for weaning when feeding F'M with PM, but FM can never substitute for good weaning management. With DL feeding of urea/molasses in earlier droughts or FM without MBM, lactating cows had difficulty coping with their calves and so for these systems, early weaning of calves older than 2 mth of age is still recommended to conserve the condition and strength of cows. 221 Animal Production in Australia Vol. I.5 Whenever large numbers of cattle were fed FM, correspondingly large quantities had to be transported, stored, mixed and fed to livestock. For some producers these quantities were a problem, and with a declining rural labour force, highlighted the need for easy, bulk handling and mixing facilities. More field research on the role and optimal amount of true protein to feed to different classes of cattle, especially cows at different stages of pregnancy and lactation, would benefit graziers in planning drought feeding prograrrpnes. SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE OF MOLASSES J.J. DALY* and P.J. SCHMIDT* The sugar cane crushing season extends from June to early December. During this period in normal years, molasses is first stored in 2 000 to 3 000 t tanks at the mills. This storage capacity is normally adequate for local demand, but sur