Molasses which is a major by-product of the sugar industry is a good, palatable and cheap source of energy for

ruminants. Use of liquid molasses by small farmers, however, is very limited due to problems related to transport,
storage and legislation. One strategy to get over this obstacle and increase the use of molasses is through the
manufacture of urea-molasses multinutrient blocks (UMMB). The technique is to mix the different ingredients in a
container and to pour the mixture in moulds to solidify into blocks.

UMMB is formulated using ingredients including molasses, urea, cotton seed cake, wheat bran, rice bran, sunflower
meal, different minerals like common salt, calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, dicalcium
phosphate as well as some amount of fat. We may also add some absorbent. Cement may be added as binding agent.
Different formulas for UMMB are given below:

% by weight
Ingredient
A B

Molasses 40 45

Urea 10 8

Mineral Mixture 5 3

Common Salt 3 2

Cottonseed Cake 5 6

Cement 17 12

Wheat Bran 20 24

Total 100 100

Ingredients % by weight

Molasses 39

Wheat bran 20

Rice polishings 20

Urea 10

Lime 6

Salt 5

Total 100
 Ingredients % by weight

Molasses 44

Cottonseed cake 8

Wheat bran 26

Urea 8

Lime 8

Bone meal 2

Salt 2

Gypsum 2

Total 100

All ingredients should be weighed accurately before mixing. Mixing can be done either manually for small quantities, or
mechanically using a concrete mixer for large quantities. The sequence in which the ingredients are mixed is very
important. Urea is first added to the molasses and thoroughly mixed. Mineral mixture, cottonseed cake and half of the
amount of salt are then added, while mixing continuously. The remaining half of the salt is mixed with cement or lime
and water to make a paste, which is then added to the molasses mixture and thoroughly stirred to obtain a consistent
paste. Wheat bran and rice polishing is added last. Then thoroughly mix the whole ingredients until the product is
homogeneous. This product is then ready to be placed in moulds.

Moulds can be made of wood, plastic, iron or carton boxes, which may be of any shape and size. Bricks can also be
used for this purpose. Once the mixture is placed in the mould, it should be left in a well-ventilated room to set. The
mixture takes about 48 hours to set, after which the blocks are ready to be utilized. Blocks wrapped in a plastic sheet
can be stored in a dry place for several months.

Use of UMMB:
UMMB must only be fed to post-weaning, growing or adult ruminants and never to pre-ruminant calves, because of
urea toxicity problems. Since blocks are supplements they should always be used with a minimum quantity of
roughage. Blocks should be introduced gradually in the diet of ruminants during a transition period of about 2 weeks to
enable the animals to adapt to the new supplement. Afterwards, blocks are offered to animals without any interruption.
Blocks being palatable, are licked by animals according to their requirement, thereby regulating the intake of urea so
as to ensure its efficient utilization, without any risk of toxicity.