Conditioning time and pellet binder levels affect pellet quality and pellet mill efficacy in poultry feed plant

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of conditioning times and processed sodium bentonite (PSB)-based pellet binder (G. Bind) levels on pellet quality and pellet mill efficacy in a local poultry feed plant. In a completely randomized design, diets were assigned to a 2×3 factorial arrangement including two conditioning times (2 and 4 minutes) and three levels of PSB (0, 7.5 and 15 g/kg) with 6 replicates to assess pellet quality and pellet mill efficacy in poultry feed plant. All diets were formulated to meet or exceed the minimum requirements of Ross 308 male chickens for the grower period (11-24 d). All diets were sampled after production to test for Pellet durability index (PDI) and hardness. PDI was measured using a Holmen Pellet Tester. The pellet hardness was assessed using a hardness tester machine. For pellet mill efficacy, the used amperages was recorded. The amperages of pellet mill motor were recorded when various experimental diets passed through pellet mill machine to calculate relative electrical energy usage (REEU).<br>Data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA of the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS to determine the main effects and 2-way interactions and means were compared using Tukey’s test (P&lt; 0.05). Results indicated that the diet with a 2 minutes conditioning time and containing 15 g/kg PSB had the highest (P&lt; 0.05) PDI and hardness. Diets contained 15 g/kg PSB and conditioned for 2 minutes had the highest (P&lt; 0.05) PDI and hardness at different time intervals. REEU increased by PSB levels when compared to non-PSB group. <br>It was concluded that a corn-soybean meal diet conditioned for 2 minutes and containing 15 g/kg PSB may improve pellet quality. Pellet mill efficacy may decreases when better pellet quality is attained.