Nutritional and Keeping Quality of Total Mixed Ration Briquettes Produced for Lactating Dairy Cows

This research aims to find out the feasibility of the formation of different total mixed ration (TMR) briquettes. Six recipes (TMR1, TMR2, TMR3, TMR4, TMR5, and TMR6) were prepared by blending different combinations of forages and concentrates to balance the nutrient requirements of lactating dairy cows. Each TMR briquette was wrapped and stored at room temperature for three months and tested at monthly intervals for nutrient composition and shelf life. A cost analysis was performed to determine economic feasibility. The crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, nitrogen-free extract and non-fibre carbohydrate contents were not significantly different among the treatments at preparation and after 3 months of storage. Calcium, phosphorous and magnesium contents of the treatments were significantly different among the treatments at preparation and after three months of storage. There was no risk associated with the potentially toxic metals (Cd, Pb and Hg) in the treatments during the storage. Yeast & mould counts, total plate counts and free fatty acid contents were in the acceptable range in all treatments during the entire storage period. Weights of the briquettes were significantly decreased during the storage; however, heights were not different among the treatments. TMR5 and TMR6 resulted lower production costs per kg. The majority of the nutritional, shelf life and physical parameters were not significantly different among the six TMR recipes tested. Thus, 5 and 6 TMR briquettes were selected as the best two potential recipes for further studies.