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Effects of Feed Enrichment Concentrate, Mixing Time, and Moisture Content on the Technological and Nutritional Quality of Pelleted Compound Feed

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Improving the efficiency of pelleted compound feed production requires optimizing process parameters while considering the use of new protein components that provide high nutritional value without compromising technological properties. The aim of the study was to determine suitable parameters for producing pelleted compound feed using a feed enrichment concentrate (FEC) based on natural, multi-protein raw materials of plant and animal origin. The study examined the effects of mixing duration (3–12 min), feed mixture moisture content before pelleting (14–18%), and the FEC addition rate (0, 20, and 25%) on pelleted feed quality. Process efficiency was assessed based on feed mixture homogeneity, pellet strength and crumbliness, and key chemical composition indicators. The results showed that FEC inclusion did not affect mixture bulk density, and adding 20% FEC preserved high mixture flowability, whereas increasing the FEC level to 25% significantly increased the angle of repose and impaired flowability (p < 0.001). Mixture homogeneity depended primarily on mixing duration regardless of the FEC inclusion rate, increasing progressively and reaching a plateau of 94.5% at 9 min (p < 0.05). During pelleting, both pre-pelleting moisture content and FEC addition significantly improved the physical quality of the pellets, with a significant interaction between moisture and FEC observed for pellet crumbliness (p < 0.01). Conditioning at 16% moisture maximized pellet strength (mean 96.5%) and minimized crumbliness (mean 3.9%) compared with 14% and 18% moisture (p < 0.001). Although both 20% and 25% FEC significantly increased crude and digestible protein contents relative to the control (p < 0.001) without altering feed energy value, the 20% FEC inclusion level combined with 9 min of mixing and 16% pre-pelleting moisture provided the optimal balance of preserved mixture flowability, high pellet strength (97.2%), minimal crumbliness (3.6%), and enhanced nutritional value.

Source: Processes

DOI: 10.3390/pr14213604

Authors: Azhar Amantayeva, Zheksenkul Alimkulov, Maya Bektursunova, Kyzdygoy Shayliyeva, Kuldariha Fazulova

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural Engineering and Mechanization

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896

Funder: Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan