Whether the feed is in the form of powder or pellets, as well as the size of the pulverization, can make a big difference economically, according to research.
Feed mill-produced feed is generally finely ground and provided in pellet form, while farm-prepared feed is often coarsely ground and usually powder. Compared to coarsely pulverized feedstocks, the production of finely pulverized particles requires more energy, is therefore more expensive, and requires additional machinery. However, previous studies have shown that pellets can improve feed conversion efficiency. In addition, other studies have also shown that when pellets are pelleted using a flat die feed pellet machine, feed conversion is achieved when the pellet size is small (that is, the pulverization is finer). Efficiency is better than with coarse particle size. However, few studies have examined the additive effect of the two treatments on feed conversion efficiency.
Two trials were conducted. The raw materials used in the two trials (the main raw materials are barley [41%], wheat [36%] and soybean [19%]) and nutritional indicators (digestible energy 13.6MJ/kg, crude protein 16.7%, total lysine 9.6g/ kg) are the same.
The only difference is the shape of the particles, i.e. powder or pellets, and the size of the pulverization. Fine crushing is processed with six 4mm sieves and coarse crushing is combined with two 14mm and four 10mm sieves.
Comparison of coarse and fine grain crushing processes. The particle size profile of coarsely ground grains is similar to that produced by the grinding process commonly used on family farms. In both trials, a wet and dry single level feeder was used for feeding. In the trial, growing pigs on a commercial farm in Central China were fed meal and pellets with similar effects (881 g/day) in the 55 to 110 kg body weight range. However, a numerical improvement of 3% in feed conversion efficiency was found for feeding pellets compared to meal, although no significant difference. For commercial herds, there is a problem of segregation of ration components when the ration is blown into the silo. Although reducing the aerodynamic force can alleviate this problem, the powder in the auger conveying pipeline
Delivery was indeed a concern. In the second trial, two types of comminuted meal or pellets were fed in the AFBI test herd. The production performance and feed cost calculations of experimental pigs fed these four diets. Similar to commercial herds,
Daily gain was similar for all diets (917 g/day). However, in Trial 2, the pellets yielded a 4.5% lower daily feed intake and a 5.5% improvement in feed conversion efficiency compared to the meal. and feed conversion efficiency of finely ground diets
outperformed the coarsely ground diet (by 3.1%) (Table 2). The effects of pelleting and fine grinding appear to be additive and vary widely in the calculation of feed costs.
Studies have shown that the production cost per ton of ration would need to be saved by 20% in the production cost per ton of ration compared to finer to offset the feed conversion efficiency disadvantage.
Overall, the cost per kg of live weight was 1.8p higher with the use of meal in the finishing stage compared to pellets. Neither diet appearance (powder or pellet) nor pulverization size (fine or coarse) had any effect on gastric ulcers in either trial.
In addition, there was no effect on carcass quality, i.e. backfat thickness or slaughter rate. Flat Die Feed Pellet Machine Conclusions: Consistent with previous studies, the feed conversion efficiency with pellets was better than with meal. The feed conversion efficiency of fine grinding is also better than that of coarse grinding.
Summary: It is recommended to purchase feed processing equipment according to your own situation to make feed by yourself, crush it with a pulverizer and then feed it into a mixer, and then use a flat die feed pellet machine to make it.
