Equipment used to compress ground feed ingredients like grains, forage, and protein supplements into small, cylindrical pellets is available for purchase. This equipment ranges from small-scale models suitable for homesteads or small farms to large-capacity industrial versions for commercial feed production. These machines typically involve a conditioning process, where steam or water is added to the feed mixture before it is pressed through a die.
Pelletizing feed offers several advantages, including increased feed efficiency due to improved digestibility, reduced feed waste, and easier storage and transport. Historically, feed pelleting has evolved significantly from rudimentary manual methods to sophisticated automated systems that control parameters like pellet size, density, and durability. This evolution has made pelleted feed a cornerstone of modern animal husbandry.