The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the moisture content and pellet mill type on the physical and chemical characteristics of Italian ryegrass (IRG) pellet. Moisture content of raw material significantly (p<0.05) affected IRG pellet formation. Moisture content at 25% was the best condition for IRG pellet formation in terms of shape, power load and temperature changes. The hardness of pellet was decreased when moisture content was increase. However, the hardness of pellet was not affected by pellet mill type. Moisture content at 30% dramatically (p<0.05) decreased the durability compared to moisture content at 25%. Dry matter content of IRG pellet was increased (p<0.05) after pelleting. Total count of microorganism was decreased in pellet due to pressure heat and moisture losses during the pelleting process. These results indicated that the proper moisture content of Italian ryegrass pelleting would be at 25%. In addition, Roll & flat die type would be more suitable than Ring die and Die & flat die type in IRG pelleting. Pelleting works would be beneficial for improving forage quality and long storage.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of moisture content on the physical and chemical characteristics of Italian ryegrass cube. Cube quality according to moisture contents (15, 20, 25, and 30%) was determined. Cubes made with 15 to 20% moisture showed a little cracks. But, the amount of powder generate from these cubes were lower by 10 to 16% compared to other cubes made with 25 to 30% moisture contents. The highest hardness at 159 kg/f was obtained when the cube was made with 15% moisture content and the lowest was 70 kg/f when the cube was made with 30% moisture content. The electrical loading and surface temperature were increased when moisture content was decreased. The chemical compositions of cube were differ from those of raw materials. Crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) contents were increased after cubing works. However, crude fiber (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents were decreased after cubing. The crude ash content was not significantly (p > 0.05) different between raw material and cube. Higher moisture content resulted in higher crude protein content. However, crude fiber and crude ash content were not significantly (p > 0.05) different between each other. The contents of ADF and NDF were the lowest in cubes made with 30% moisture content. Our results suggest that the proper moisture content of Italian ryegrass cubing is recommended to be 15 to 20% and that cubing works should help increase forage quality.