In contrast to the effect of increasing protein, increasing the oil content had a negative effect on pellet quality. However, the pellet durability decreased greatly as the oil content reached 7.5%. Ration 1 had an oil content of 6.2% because of soybean oil added to the ration, which resulted in an overall average PDI of 57.2. The low PDI for Ration 1 was due to a combination of low protein and high oil content. Based on the findings of this work, pellet quality is not compromised when the oil content is below 5.6% and the protein content is about 20%. Evaluated the effects of adding animal fat to a corn-soy broiler finisher diet that originally contained 2.9% fat. After the addition of fat to the rations prior to conditioning, the fat contents ranged from 3.9 to 7.9%, with corresponding PDI ranging from 82.0 to 49.2, respectively. Fat content totaling above 4.9% yielded poor quality pellets. The degree of pitch on the mixing paddles also affected pellet quality . The PDI produced with the parallel pitch paddles averaged five points higher than durabilities of pellets conditioned using the standard pitch. The longer residence time obtained using the parallel pitch allowed the mash to be more adequately. The negative relationship of the rate of fines produced to the pellet durability index . conditioned prior to pelleting. Based on these findings, operators should adjust the configuration of the mixing paddles to obtain an optimum residence time to produce quality pellets. Alternative methods for increasing the residence time are to decrease the rotational speed of the mixing paddle axle or to invest in longer length conditioners.

In contrast to the effect of increasing protein, increasing the oil content had a negative effect on pellet quality. However, the pellet durability decreased greatly as the oil content reached 7.5%. Ration 1 had an oil content of 6.2% because of soybean oil added to the ration, which resulted in an overall average PDI of 57.2. The low PDI for Ration 1 was due to a combination of low protein and high oil content. Based on the findings of this work, pellet quality is not compromised when the oil content is below 5.6% and the protein content is about 20%. Evaluated the effects of adding animal fat to a corn-soy broiler finisher diet that originally contained 2.9% fat. After the addition of fat to the rations prior to conditioning, the fat contents ranged from 3.9 to 7.9%, with corresponding PDI ranging from 82.0 to 49.2, respectively. Fat content totaling above 4.9% yielded poor quality pellets. The degree of pitch on the mixing paddles also affected pellet quality . The PDI produced with the parallel pitch paddles averaged five points higher than durabilities of pellets conditioned using the standard pitch. The longer residence time obtained using the parallel pitch allowed the mash to be more adequately. The negative relationship of the rate of fines produced to the pellet durability index . conditioned prior to pelleting. Based on these findings, operators should adjust the configuration of the mixing paddles to obtain an optimum residence time to produce quality pellets. Alternative methods for increasing the residence time are to decrease the rotational speed of the mixing paddle axle or to invest in longer length conditioners.

SUMMARY The use of the pelleting process to improve feed nutrient utilization and meet customer expectations has continued to increase. Today in the U.S. more than 80% of feed for nonruminant animals is pelleted and that number is increasing. The factors that influence pellet quality can be divided into several categories. It is generally agreed that the formulation is, by far, the most important factor affecting pellet quality. The cereal grain used (corn vs. wheat) and its percentage can have great influence. The inclusion of fats or oils (above 1%), regardless of the source, can dramatically reduce pellet quality. Fineness of grind can have a great deal of influence on pellet quality. As a rule, the finer the grind, either pre- or post-grind, the better the pellet quality. Particle size affects both the extent of conditioning and the way in which particle bonding occurs in the pellet itself. In terms of pellet mill operations, the conditioning process has greater influence on pellet quality than does die specification. A great deal of attention must be paid to steam quantity and control, moisture content, retention time and mixing action within the conditioner. In general, most feed manufacturers have not optimized the conditioning process but try to solve pellet quality issues using a thicker die. While this often results in improved quality, we often see an unacceptable drop in production rate. Developing a full understanding of pellet quality and the factors that influence it is still fertile ground for research and idea development. As new ingredients become available and equipment and technological advances occur, a thorough understanding of factors affecting pellet quality will be mandatory. The physical benefits include improved ease of handling, reduced ingredient segregation, less feed wastage, and increased bulk density. Nutritional benefits have been measured through animal feeding trials.

SUMMARY The use of the pelleting process to improve feed nutrient utilization and meet customer expectations has continued to increase. Today in the U.S. more than 80% of feed for nonruminant animals is pelleted and that number is increasing. The factors that influence pellet quality can be divided into several categories. It is generally agreed that the formulation is, by far, the most important factor affecting pellet quality. The cereal grain used (corn vs. wheat) and its percentage can have great influence. The inclusion of fats or oils (above 1%), regardless of the source, can dramatically reduce pellet quality. Fineness of grind can have a great deal of influence on pellet quality. As a rule, the finer the grind, either pre- or post-grind, the better the pellet quality. Particle size affects both the extent of conditioning and the way in which particle bonding occurs in the pellet itself. In terms of pellet mill operations, the conditioning process has greater influence on pellet quality than does die specification. A great deal of attention must be paid to steam quantity and control, moisture content, retention time and mixing action within the conditioner. In general, most feed manufacturers have not optimized the conditioning process but try to solve pellet quality issues using a thicker die. While this often results in improved quality, we often see an unacceptable drop in production rate. Developing a full understanding of pellet quality and the factors that influence