In modern poultry farming, the formulation and processing of broiler feed directly affect growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and production cost. Traditional mash feed often causes serious waste, while processing feed into pellets not only reduces wastage but also improves feed utilization and enhances nutrient absorption. Therefore, making chicken feed for broilers has become a crucial step in improving farming efficiency. Many poultry farmers are interested in how to make chicken feed for broilers, as well as how to choose suitable equipment and technology for efficient pelletizing.
Complete Broiler Chicken Feed Plant Solutions
Why Use Pellet Feed for Broilers?
Compared with mash, broiler pellet feed offers the following advantages:
- Less waste: Pellets are harder to pick out, ensuring uniform intake.
- Better digestibility: Steam conditioning gelatinizes starch and partially denatures protein, making it easier to digest.
- Improved farm environment: Dust is reduced, which benefits bird health.
- Meets nutritional needs at different growth stages: Pellet size and composition can be adjusted for broilers of different ages.
Broiler Feed Formulation at Different Growth Stages
Broiler growth can be divided into three stages: starter (1–21 days), grower (22–35 days), and finisher (36 days to market). Each stage has different nutritional requirements, and the broiler feed formulation should be adjusted accordingly. Below is a typical formulation example:
Example Feed Composition
| Ingredient (%) | Starter Feed (1–21d) | Grower Feed (22–35d) | Finisher Feed (36d–Market) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn (Grade 2) | 58.39 | 56.87 | 56.92 |
| Soybean Meal | 22.50 | 18.00 | 13.70 |
| Wheat | 5.00 | 8.00 | 10.00 |
| Corn Gluten Meal | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 |
| Peanut Meal | 3.00 | 3.50 | 4.00 |
| Cottonseed Meal | — | 2.00 | 3.00 |
| Additives & Minerals | 4.68 | 4.63 | 4.26 |
| Lard | 1.00 | 2.00 | 3.20 |
| Total | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 |
Example Nutritional Levels
| Parameter | Starter | Grower | Finisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolizable Energy (MJ/kg) | 12.28 | 12.55 | 12.98 |
| Crude Protein (%) | 20.0 | 19.0 | 18.0 |
| Lysine (%) | 1.16 | 1.00 | 0.90 |
As shown above, crude protein and lysine decrease with age, while energy levels increase. Such a broiler feed formulation ensures efficient growth and weight gain in broilers.
Pelletizing Technology and Key Parameters
To turn feed into broiler pellet feed, the right process conditions and management methods must be followed. Typical parameters include:
- Grinding: Raw materials ground with 2.0 mm screen.
- Conditioning: Steam conditioning temperature 75–85℃.
- Ring Die Parameters: Compression ratio controlled at 10–11.
- Starter feed: Ring die hole 4.5 mm, crushed into small particles after cooling.
- Grower feed: Ring die hole 3.0 mm.
- Finisher feed: Ring die hole 4.0 mm.
Cooling & Storage: After cooling, moisture should be below 12%, temperature close to room temperature, then classified and packed.
Key Operation Management Points
- Empty the bin before production to prevent cross-contamination.
- Adjust cooler parameters based on output.
- Follow the correct start-up and shutdown sequence, preferably with interlock control.
- For feeds requiring crushing, start the crusher early and adjust particle size.
- When changing formulas, clear leftover material to avoid contamination.
- These steps are essential for how to make chicken feed for broilers and ensure pellet feed quality remains stable.
Recommended Broiler Feed Machines
In practice, choosing the right broiler feed machine is crucial. Options vary between small-scale and large-scale equipment.
Small Feed Pellet Machines (Flat Die Pellet Mill)
Small feed pellet machines are generally flat die pellet mills, suitable for household farms, small-scale poultry operations, or new investors. Prices range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Example specifications:
| Model | Power | Output (kg/h) | Weight (kg) | Packing Size (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZLSP 120B | 3 kW | 60–100 | 77 | 800×320×740 |
| ZLSP 150B | 4 kW | 90–120 | 100 | 800×350×740 |
| ZLSP 200B | 7.5 kW | 200–300 | 204 | 1050×480×990 |
| ZLSP 230B | 11 kW | 300–400 | 218 | 1180×520×1020 |
| ZLSP 260B | 15 kW | 400–600 | 300 | 1240×540×1070 |
| ZLSP 300B | 22 kW | 600–800 | 437 | 1300×560×1220 |
Advantages: Easy operation, low energy use, affordable, and suitable for small farmers.
Flat Die Pellet Mill for Broiler Feed Production
Large Feed Pellet Machines (Ring Die Pellet Mill)
For large farms or feed mills, BPM series ring die pellet mills are more suitable. They feature higher capacity, durability, and automation, making them ideal for industrial-scale broiler pellet feed production.
| Model | Output (t/h) | Main Motor Power | Conditioner Power | Ring Die Dia. (mm) | Pellet Size (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPM250 | 1.0–2.0 | 11×2 kW | 2.2 kW | 250 | 2–10 |
| BPM320 | 2.0–5.0 | 22×2 kW | 2.2 kW | 320 | 2–10 |
| BPM350 | 3.0–7.0 | 30×2 kW | 2.2 kW | 350 | 2–10 |
| BPM420 | 6.0–10.0 | 55×2 kW | 5.5 kW | 420 | 2–10 |
Advantages: High efficiency, uniform pellets, durable design, and continuous operation.
Ring Die Pellet Mill for Broiler Feed Production
In the process of making chicken feed for broilers, scientific feed formulation and proper pelletizing technology are essential.
For small-scale farming, flat die pellet mills are cost-effective and easy to use.
For large-scale farms and feed mills, ring die pellet mills provide higher output and efficiency.
Regardless of the method, feed formulation should be adjusted to meet the nutritional needs of broilers at different growth stages. This ensures efficient production and maximum profitability.
If you are planning to set up a broiler feed pellet production line, or want to know more about broiler feed machine prices and configurations, feel free to contact ABC Machinery for a customized solution!
