The processing technology of piglet feed is crucial to the growth and development of piglets, and it directly affects the nutrient retention and palatability of feed. Appropriate processing technology can retain the nutrients in the feed to the greatest extent, while improving the palatability of the feed and promoting the piglets' feeding and digestion and absorption.
Crushing is the first step in piglet feed processing. Appropriate crushing particle size helps to improve the palatability and digestibility of the feed. If the crushing is too coarse, the feed particles are too large, which makes it difficult for piglets to chew and digest, resulting in insufficient contact between nutrients and digestive enzymes, affecting the absorption of nutrients and reducing palatability. On the contrary, although crushing too finely can increase the contact area with digestive enzymes and improve the nutrient absorption rate, it will increase the feed dust, which is easy to cause respiratory diseases in piglets, and the overly delicate taste may also affect the piglets' interest in feeding. Generally speaking, the crushing particle size of piglet feed is preferably 1.0-1.5 mm, which can ensure good absorption of nutrients and maintain a certain palatability.
Mixing uniformity is one of the key factors affecting the quality of piglet feed. A good mixing process can ensure that the various nutrients in the feed are evenly distributed, and prevent the growth and development of piglets from being affected by unbalanced nutritional intake. If the mixing is uneven, some piglets may take in too much or too little of certain nutrients, resulting in nutritional deficiency or excess. At the same time, uneven mixing will also affect the palatability of the feed, because piglets may refuse to eat because of feed with inconsistent taste. The use of advanced mixing equipment and reasonable mixing time can fully mix the various raw materials in the feed to ensure balanced nutrition and stable palatability.
The granulation process can make powdered feed into granules, which helps to improve the palatability of the feed. Granular feed has a certain hardness and shape, which is more in line with the feeding habits of piglets and can reduce feed waste. During the granulation process, due to the effects of temperature, humidity and pressure, the starch in the feed will be gelatinized and the protein will be denatured, thereby improving the digestibility of the feed. However, the high temperature during the granulation process may also cause the loss of some heat-sensitive nutrients such as vitamins. Therefore, it is necessary to reasonably control the temperature and time of pelleting, adopt low-temperature pelleting technology or add heat-sensitive ingredients such as vitamins after pelleting to reduce nutritional losses and ensure the palatability of the feed.
Extrusion technology is a relatively advanced feed processing method. Through extrusion, the starch in the feed is further matured, the protein structure changes, and it becomes easier for piglets to digest and absorb. Extrusion can also destroy anti-nutritional factors in the feed and improve the nutritional value of the feed. In addition, the extruded feed has a loose and porous structure, a crispy taste, good palatability, and can significantly increase the feed intake of piglets. However, the extrusion process will also cause the loss of some nutrients, such as some water-soluble vitamins and amino acids. Therefore, in the extrusion process, the processing parameters need to be precisely controlled to balance the relationship between nutritional retention and palatability.
Drying is an important part of piglet feed processing. It can reduce the moisture content of the feed, prevent the feed from mold and deterioration, and extend the shelf life of the feed. However, if the drying temperature and time are not properly controlled, it will affect the nutritional content and palatability of the feed. Too high drying temperature will destroy the nutrients in the feed, such as excessive protein denaturation and increased vitamin loss. At the same time, over-drying will make the feed hard, taste worse, and reduce palatability. Therefore, choosing the right drying method and controlling the drying conditions are crucial to retaining feed nutrition and maintaining palatability.
The processing technology of piglet feed has many effects on nutrient retention and palatability. In the process of feed processing, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the parameter control of each processing link, and adopt advanced technology and equipment to maximize the retention of nutrients in the feed, improve the palatability of the feed, provide high-quality feed for piglets, and promote their healthy growth and development.
