When it comes to feed, most people are familiar with its basic concept. But have you ever wondered how feed is actually made? What raw materials are used, and where do they come from? How are these ingredients processed into a final product? In this article, we will explore the entire process of feed production, from selecting ingredients to the final processing techniques.
The first thing to understand is what feed ingredients are. Simply put, feed ingredients are any substances derived from animals, plants, microbes, or minerals that can be used as food for livestock. These ingredients form the foundation of all types of feed, whether it's for poultry, cattle, or aquaculture.
From this definition, it's clear that the sources of feed ingredients are incredibly diverse. They can include grains, soybeans, fish meal, oilseeds, mineral supplements, and many more. In total, there are over 13 major categories of feed ingredients, such as corn, soybean meal, cottonseed meal, fishmeal, amino acids, and various additives. Each plays a specific role in providing nutrition to animals.
Once the raw materials are selected, the next step is to process them into usable feed. Here are some common methods used in the industry.
One example is the production of peanut stalk particles. First, the material is passed through a vibrating screen to remove dust and impurities. Then it is crushed and dried. After that, the material is sent to a granulator for pellet formation. Once the pellets are formed, they are cooled using forced air to reach room temperature. Finally, broken pieces are removed to ensure smooth and neat pellets.
Another method is the fermentation of cottonseed cake. The process begins by mixing cottonseed cake, corn flour, bran, and a microbial culture in specific proportions. A fermented broth is prepared and sprayed onto the mixture. The mixture is then sealed and left to ferment under anaerobic conditions for 3–5 days. Once ready, it can be dried or directly used in feed formulations.
For soybean meal, the process involves several steps: first, soybeans are cooked, then crushed, and moisture is adjusted. Next, the material is pressed into tablets, water is added again, and soybean oil is extracted using solvents. After desolventization, the remaining material becomes soybean meal, which is widely used in animal feed.
Fishmeal production starts with raw materials like small fish, shrimp, or by-products from canned fish. These are cleaned, steamed, and pressed to remove water. The material is then sun-dried and ground into a fine powder, which is packaged and ready for use.
Understanding the sources of feed ingredients and the methods used to process them gives us a clearer picture of how feed is made. Whether it’s through fermentation, pelleting, or extraction, each step is crucial in ensuring the quality and nutritional value of the final product. This knowledge not only helps farmers but also supports the broader animal husbandry industry.
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