Effect of preconditioning and die thickness on pelleting of livestock feed

ABSTRACT

Pelleting has been identified as a means of improving animal performance by limiting selective feeding of livestock. However, it is a complex process that has a number of input variables that must be routinely monitored and adjusted. The interaction between the operational parameters may also give more knowledge of the process. In this study, a screw-type livestock feed pelleting machine was designed and fabricated having a maximum throughput of 0.43 kg/min. Using a full factorial design with three levels of die thickness (5, 7 and 9 mm) and two preconditioners (water and cassava starch), average density of pellets produced was greater than 1g/cm³ For the determination of the density and pellet length, and consequently the durability, the die thickness, plasticiser and interaction of die thickness with plasticiser were significant (p < 0.05). Using starch as preconditioner and increasing the die thickness improved the durability of pellets.

KEYWORDS:

• Livestock feed pelleting machine
• density
• durability
• pellet length
• starch

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joseph I. Orisaleye

Joseph I. Orisaleye has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and has also carried out studies in Agricultural Engineering. His area of specialization is in Engineering design and Optimization, and Renewable Energy. He has carried out extensive research leading to the development of machinery for agriculture and several industries. He is keen on the development of low-cost machinery and development of clean energy which aligns with the SDGs. He has also undertaken roles in consultancy, education and research.

Adebayo A. Ogundare

Adebayo A. Ogundare is a lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Lagos. He has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He is experienced in machine design, engineering mechanics, machine condition monitoring & reliability, and manufacturing engineering. He has carried out research on failure of machine parts. He also has experience in design and optimization of mechanical equipment. His research also include renewable resources and composite materials. He is recipient of TETFUND grant to conduct a research on helicopter transmission failure.

Christopher T. Oloyede

Dr. Christopher Tunji Oloyede holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. His research focuses on the synthesis of biofuels (such as biodiesel, biogas, and bioalcohol), heterogeneous catalysis, and crop processing. Dr. Oloyede has extensive expertise in developing and characterizing bio-catalysts derived from agricultural residues for biodiesel production. Additionally, he possesses practical experience in designing agricultural machinery and working with renewable energy. He is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

Sunday J. Ojolo

Sunday Joshua Ojolo is a professor of manufacturing at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. He obtained his PhD in Farm Power and Machinery from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Prof. Sunday J. Ojolo’s area of specialisation spans Machinery development, Manufacturing Engineering and Energy Systems. He has published over 80 research papers in reputable journals (mostly international) and more than 20 papers in international conference proceedings. He is also on the editorial board of 5 reputable international journals. He is a member of African Regional Standards Organisation. He is a consultant to many industries.

Simeon O. Jekayinfa

Simeon Olatayo Jekayinfa is a professor of Power and Machinery in the Department of Agricultural Engineering at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. He has a PhD in Agricultural Engineering from University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Prof. Jekayinfa is a specialist in design of agricultural machinery, and renewable energy with several years of experience in teaching and research. His areas of research interests include production, optimization and improvement of yields of bioenergy from agricultural and urban refuse wastes; thermo-catalytic and bio- conversion of wastes and biomass into useful industrial feedstock and energy; energy analysis of agricultural mechanization and other cottage industrial process operations; and development of energy-saving agricultural machines.