Variation of Quality Parameters of Total Mixed Ration Recipe Briquettes with Extended Storage Period

Six dried Total Mixed Ration (TMR) recipes were formulated according to Completely Randomized Design and pressed into briquettes to enhance the keeping quality. All briquettes were stored for 6 months and each was analysed for physical parameters, nutrient composition and shelf life. The interaction (period x treatment) effect was not significant in nutrients except for crude protein and ash contents. It was also not significant in shelf life parameters; yeast and mould counts and total plate counts in the recipe briquettes during six months period. There was no significant interaction effect on colour parameters; lightness (l*) and yellowness (b*) however, it was higher (p<0.05) for redness. The interaction effect was significant (p<0.05) for weight- and height-loss of the TMR briquettes. Thus, these TMR recipe briquettes could be stored for up to six months without any deleterious effect on physical, nutritive- and keeping quality parameters.