Feed is made up of a number of raw materials that is all combined in different ratio’s to form a perfect balance of all the nutrients, minerals and vitamins. The bulk of the feed is:
A number of other raw materials are also included e.g.:
The bulk raw materials are stored in the silos and the lower volume dense materials is in flat storage on the mill floor.
The grains are transported from the silos to grinders in the mill where it is grinded to a suitable coarseness depending on the type of feed manufactured. Thereafter the other raw materials that don’t need grinding are included as well as the prescribed premixes of vitamins, minerals and medication.
The mixing process is important in the feed manufacturing process because if the feed is not mixed thoroughly, the concentrated minerals and vitamins will not be evenly distributed. Taking into account the low inclusion of about 2.5kg of premix in 1000kg of feed, thorough mixing is extremely important. During the mixing process, all the liquids like oil are also included.
In the incorporator the mash feed is incorporated with steam to increase the heat and moisture of the feed, which is crucial in the pelleting process. The addition of the steam helps with the binding of the particles to form a pellet when pressed.
The mixed raw material, vitamins and minerals now goes through the pellet press where it is forced through a small opening (usually between 3.2 and 4.8mm) to form a pellet. The temperature of the feed is about 80°C on the other side of the pellet press.
The pellet is still soft and too warm to store as it is post pelleting and the temperature need to be brought down. This is done in the cooler and the temperature is decreased drastically to make the pellet hard and durable. The pelleted feed goes through a shaker to get rid of unwanted fines and it is now ready to be bagged or loaded in a bulk storage bin.
Source: Johan Conradie at Epol/RCL Foods
There is an established gristing principle whereby the farmer takes maize to feedmills. It is a way for him to save money because he only pays for the milling, mixing and other raw materials. Farmers can purchase commercial concentrates from feed suppliers, too, to mix with maize which they themselves have milled.
Further reference:
The Chairman’s Report which looks at the local business environment. Find it at www.afma.co.za.
South Africa produces around 1% of the world’s animal feeds – roughly in line with its contribution to livestock production globally.
Balanced feeds accounted for 52% of the roughly 13 million tons of feed produced in 2020 A further 5.2 million tons was feed mixes produced and utilised in feedlots and other on-farm activities. It is likely that a further, fairly large proportion (7%) was produced in the informal feed market. The economic contribution of animal feed manufacturing was estimated at around R55 billion in gross sales in 2020, with some 17 000 employment opportunities.
The ongoing replacement of imports by locally produced soybean oilcake used by feed mills and the important contribution these mills are making in buying and selling into agricultural value chains is a positive story. The continued growth in this industry continues to be directly tied to the success of both grain and oilseed farming, and strong growth in intensive livestock industries.
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Source: Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) Baseline 2022-2031
SANS 898, Good manufacturing practice for the self mixing of feed in the livestock industry
The standard covers the self mixing of compound feed and supplements into livestock feed, to ensure that the products consistently meet the legal requirements for human and animal health, and environmental safety.
Find Codes of Practice and Guidelines in addition to a lot of other information under “Resources” at www.afma.co.za.
Find the “Agriculture Inputs Control” option at www.old.dalrrd.gov.za. Application forms, Guidelines and contacts at DALRRD are available.
In terms of the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act 36 of 1947) and its regulations, all feed raw materials except for maize and unbroken grains, must be registered with the Registrar of Act 36 of 1947 before it could be sold into the market or used in animal feed production. All animal feed for sale is required to be registered in terms of Act 36. Find updates of the draft Feeds and Pet Food Bill at www.afma.co.za. The Bill is expected to replace parts of Act 36 of 1947.
Find the “Regulatory Affairs” option at www.afma.co.za. DALRRD contact details and other regulatory information can be found here.
Further reference:
Companies: animal feed suppliers
Associations
Training and research
