Preparation and Evaluation of Densified Complete Feed Blocks in Growing Buffaloes

Complete feed blocks and mash diet were prepared with wheat straw, berseem hay, concentrate mixture, molasses and mineral & vitamin additives respectively in a 40:20:19:20:1 ratio by IGFRI densifying machine (density of blocks 355 kg/m³). Eight murrah buffalo heifers were divided into two groups of four each and either fed with complete feed blocks or mash diet. Chemical composition of both the rations were almost same. DMI was 2.86 and 2.74 kg/100 kg B. W. in complete feed block and mash diets, respectively indicated high palatability of both the rations. DM and nutrients digestibility were not different significantly between the groups. DCP and TDN values were also comparable between the diets. Complete feed blocks required 3.8 time less space for storage and transportation as compared to loose roughage material(density 94 kg/m³).