Molasses Supplementation as a Strategy to Enhance Fiber Fermentation and Nutrient Utilisation in Tropical Forage Silage

¹ Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia, 65145
² Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia, 65145
³ Department of Food Science, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

^* Corresponding author: nurulasri@ub.ac.id

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of 10% molasses supplementation on nutrient retention and physical quality improvement of silage prepared from elephant grass, dwarf elephant, and maize stover. A randomized factorial design with three replications was applied, consisting of two molasses levels: without supplementation (T0) and with 10% supplementation (T1). Silage samples were incubated for 14, 21, and 28 days. Parameters measured included bacterial identification, silage quality (physical and nutritional), and nutrient losses. Molasses supplementation significantly reduced dry matter (DM) losses in elephant grass (36.83 ± 0.37% to 33.01 ± 0.65%) and dwarf elephant (47.91 ± 1.98% to 35.60 ± 0.55%) (P < 0.01). Organic matter and crude protein losses also decreased markedly, while crude fiber loss in dwarf elephant was notably minimized with supplementation. Physically, molasses-treated silage exhibited a sweet–sour aroma, yellowish-brown color, and softer texture, contrasting with the undesirable fermented smell and greenish color of the control. Moreover, supplemented silage reached optimal acidity (pH < 4.2) more rapidly, reflecting faster and more stable fermentation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 10% molasses supplementation enhances nutrient preservation and desirable physical attributes and long-term storage of tropical forage silage, offering a practical approach to improve feed quality and ruminant nutrition in tropical environments.