Processing of Feeds | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Methods of Processing Feeds

Mechanical Processing:

• Includes grinding, rolling, and crimping
• Grinding is done with a hammer mill to make grain fine enough to pass through a sieve
• Flaking is achieved by passing grain between rollers
• Crimping is similar to rolling but with corrugated surfaces

Pelleting:

• Ingredients are ground and formed into pellets for easier handling and storage
• Improves feed effectiveness and reduces dust

Cooking:

• Enhances palatability and nutritive value
• Commonly used for beans, soybeans, cottonseed, tapioca, and potatoes

Wetting:

• Addition of small quantities of water to dusty foods

Soaking:

• Used for hard grains that are not mechanically processed
• Examples include dried beet pulp, soybean flakes, and cottonseed

Fermenting:

• Some B-complex vitamins are produced through fermentation

Germinating:

• Grains are soaked, germinated, and used for nutritional purposes
• Provides nutrients similar to grass juice

Adding Liquid Feeds and Slurries:

• Supplemental nutrients can be mixed with feeds in liquid form
• Helpful for feeding calves and reducing wastage