The effect of pressure and moisture on post compression expansion (PCE) and bulk density of some roughages were studied. The loose bulk density of roughages ranged from 24.75 (rice straw) to 93.99 (wheat straw) kg/m3. The PCE was significantly (P<0.01) higher after 24 h of block making irrespective of the source of roughages, pressure and moisture level. PCE was significantly (P<0.01) higher at lower compressive pressure than higher pressure. The bulk density ranged from 382.2 to 575.6 kg/m3 for different roughage alone or in combination with concentrate. The moisture addition also led to significantly (P<0.01) higher PCE at different hours of block making. Bulk density of different roughages increased significantly (p<0.01) with the increase in pressure application but reduced with the increase in the level of moisture. The structural integrity of the blocks was maintained while dropping from 1-meter height except rice and wheat straw.
Roughages, Pressure, Moisture, Bulk density, Post compression expansion
