Feed prices boost demand for pellet binders
Rising prices are stimulating producers to consider different raw materials for their animal feed formulations. This can, in some situations, adversely affect pellet quality, and reduce throughput at the feed mill press according to agricultural specialists Kiotechagil.
With electricity at 0.16 USD per kilowatt-hour and rising, feed compounders
are also paying increasing attention to energy usage. Double pelleting for
example costs an extra 1.6USD per tonne compared to single pelleting comments
Mark Meynell, Director of Lloyds Animal Feeds.
These two factors are
increasing the demand for low inclusion pellet binders,” says Kiotechagil’s
chief technical officer Murray Hyden. “Part of the benefit comes through the
chemical binding attributes which help lower the amount of energy consumed in
pellet production. This is achieved by improved die lubrication and a reduction
in fines losses.”
Feed producers are also recognising the ability of
binders (such as Mastercube), which improve pellet quality and allow greater
inclusion of oils in high-energy diets, said Mr Hyden. “Farmers too are looking
to protect their investment in quality feeds by seeking out improved pellet
durability and the more consistent pellet quality they achieve when using low
inclusion pellet binders.”
