Effect of Mash Particle Size and Die Speed on Machine Performance and Pellet Durability for Broiler Chickens

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mash particle size and die speeds on the performance of machine and pellet quality for broiler chickens. Machine productivity (kgh-1), power consumption (kW), specific energy consumption (kwh kg-1), pelleting efficiency (%), pellet durability (%) and operating cost ($/h), were studied. The experiment consisted of a factorial arrangement of three mash particle sizes (2, 4, and 6 mm), with three die speeds (280, 300, and 320 rpm). Results showed that varying the mash particle size from 2 to 6 mm resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in machine productivity, while power consumption, specific energy consumption, pelleting efficiency, pellet durability and operating cost significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. By increasing the die speed from 280 to 320 rpm, the machine productivity significantly increased (P < 0.05), while power consumption, specific energy consumption, pelleting efficiency, pellet durability and operating cost significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The highest machine productivity of 86.01 kg.h-1 and the lowest power consumption, of 2.65 kW, specific energy consumption 0.029 kwh kg-1, operating cost 1.29 $/h was achieved with a mash particle size of 6 mm and a die speed of 320 rpm. Meanwhile, the highest pelleting efficiency of 92.92 % and pellet durability of 91.87% were recorded with a mash particle size of 2 mm and a die speed of 280 rpm. It was concluded that the mash particle size and die speeds significantly impact machine performance and pellet quality.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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