Quality feed production is essential to increase productivity in animal husbandry, to ensure healthy nutrition of animals and to reduce production costs. Behind quality feed are high-tech feed production machines. In this article, we will discuss the basic machines and production processes used in both traditional feed mills and modern, soilless feed plants in detail.

What are the Machines Used in Feed Production?

Feed production consists of many steps from raw material acceptance to pelletisation and packaging. Different machines are involved in each step. Here are the basic machines for feed production:

Machines Required for Receiving and Cleaning of Raw Material

• Polygon sieves: It cleans raw materials such as seeds, straw, wheat from dust, stones and metal parts.
  
  
• Magnet systems: Prevents metal objects from interfering with the production line.
  
  
• Horizontal conveyors and elevators: Safely transports the cleaned raw materials to the production line.
  
  

Weighing and Dosing Systems

• Powder dosing scales: It provides the raw material mixture in the ratio suitable for the feed formulation.
  
  
• Microdosing systems: Precisely incorporates additives such as vitamins and minerals into the mix.
  
  

Crusher and Grinding Machines

• Hammer mill: It pulverises granular raw materials into fine powder.
  
  
• Jet filter: It absorbs the dust generated during grinding and prevents damage to the environment and employees.
  
  

Mixing and Homogenising Machines

• Mixers (Horizontal and Vertical): Mixes different components into a homogeneous mixture.
  
  
• Liquid additive systems: Liquid substances such as oil, flavours and sweeteners are added to the mixing process.
  
  

Pelletising and Pressing Machines

• Pellet press: Compresses the mixture with high pressure and transforms it into a form that animals can easily consume.
  
  
• Conditioner Improves pelletising quality by providing moisture and heat balance of the raw material.
  
  

Cooling, Screening and Packaging Systems

• Coolers: It brings the pellet feeds to the desired temperature.
  
  
• Pellet sieving machines: Separates broken and powdered pieces.
  
  
• Bag filling and weighing machines: Bag the finished feeds and make them ready for shipment.
  
  

Technological Systems Used for Hydroponic Feed Production

Hydroponic feed production offers a great advantage especially for farms with space limitations. According to the information obtained from the largest soilless feed facility in Turkey, the system works as follows:

Barley Seed and Sprouting Unit

• Special spreading machines: Barley seeds are spread on hygienic surfaces.
  
  
• Automatic irrigation systems: Support sprouting by controlling light and humidity.
  
  

Lighting and Photosynthesis Support

• LED lighting systems: Enables plants to photosynthesise.
  
  
• Air circulation systems: Establishes oxygen-carbon dioxide balance.
  
  

Harvesting and Feeding Systems

• Sprout cutting machines: Sprouts that develop after 5-7 days are cut into fodder.
  
  
• Feed mixing line: This green feed is taken into the mix for inclusion in the ration.
  
  

The Role of Automation Systems in Modern Feed Mills

High-capacity feed mills require perfect coordination between machines. Automation systems are at the heart of this coordination:

• Automation based on SCADA or PLC: Digitally controls the entire production process.
  
  
• Sensors in production lines: Monitor fault, inventory, temperature and humidity data.
  
  
• Data logging and reporting software: Provides retrospective analysis of the production process.
  
  

Companies such as Yemsa Makina make it possible to produce tonnes of feed per minute with automation-supported systems while keeping the quality constant.

What is the Efficiency of Feed Production Process and its Effect on Animal Health?

We can talk about the existence of the following equation in feed production;

Feed Quality = Animal Health

• Low fibre content - Digestive problems
  
  
• Insufficient protein - Inefficiency and low meat/dairy yields
  
  
• Incorrect humidity - Mould and toxin formation
  
  

What can be gained with modern feed machines?

By using modern feed machines, you can achieve the following advantages for your businesses and farms;

• More digestible feeds
  
  
• Longer shelf life
  
  
• Lower risk of disease
  
  
• High economic return
  
  

Conclusion

Using the right machinery in feed production not only facilitates production but also improves feed quality, animal health and farm productivity. Hydroponic feed technologies and automation-supported feed mills have become indispensable for the animal husbandry of the future.

Yemsa Makina continues to be a solution partner to farmers and producers both locally and globally by offering the machines needed at every stage of feed production with high quality and engineering assurance.