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Effect of feed formula and raw material quality on feed quality
Feed formulation and the quality of raw materials significantly influence the quality of pelleted feed. The formula typically consists of energy feed (60%–70%), protein feed (20%–25%), mineral feed (3%–5%), and additive premix (1%–2%). Energy and protein feeds are the primary components and key factors affecting pellet quality.
**1. Raw Material Diversity**
Today, many feed manufacturers use alternative ingredients like wheat bran, rice bran, DDG, brewer’s grains, corn gluten meal, bacterial protein, yeast, rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, blood meal, meat and bone meal, and silkworm pupae powder to reduce costs. However, these alternatives often vary greatly in quality, leading to reduced steam absorption capacity. This results in loose, weak pellets with a high breakage rate.
To improve pellet quality, binders such as wheat flour, soybean meal, or bentonite are often added. Using the right amount of wheat or soybean meal is preferable because they contain gluten and soluble fiber, which help absorb steam better and enhance pellet quality.
**2. Protein Quality**
Protein content is a crucial factor in determining pellet quality. Higher protein levels usually lead to better granulation and improved pellet quality due to increased plasticity and viscosity during heating. However, excessively high protein can negatively impact the process. For example, in 1999, our factory processed a 30% concentrate with over 35% crude protein, but due to low starch and high fiber content, the steam absorption was poor, and the conditioning temperature only reached 50–60°C, resulting in significant quality loss.
**3. Crude Fiber Content**
The crude fiber content should not exceed 10%. High fiber levels reduce particle adhesion and impair steam absorption, lowering pellet hardness, formation rate, and yield. It also increases wear on the granulating equipment.
**4. Fat Content**
A proper amount of fat improves feed flow through the die, reduces friction, and enhances pellet quality. However, excessive fat can weaken particle binding, making them prone to breaking and difficult to store. If extra fat is needed, it's best to spray it after pelleting.
**5. Moisture Content**
Moisture before conditioning plays a vital role. When moisture is below 12.5%, steam absorption is strong, and the conditioning temperature is higher, resulting in better pellet quality. Ideally, the moisture level after conditioning should be between 15.5% and 17%. Too much moisture can lower the conditioning temperature and reduce pellet quality.
Recently, new corn has been harder to steam during conditioning, leading to high power consumption, low production, and poor pellet hardness. To address this, we temporarily store the feed in the intermediate warehouse for 16–24 hours, allowing moisture redistribution before re-granulation. This method improved steam absorption and ensured the conditioning temperature remained above 70°C.
**6. Hygroscopicity of Raw Materials**
Hygroscopic materials, such as citric acid whey powder and milk replacer, can severely affect feed flow and granulation performance. These ingredients tend to become sticky when exposed to air and may caramelize at high temperatures, making steam addition challenging. In such cases, a fast steam injection method is necessary to maintain pellet quality.
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