Cattle Feed Processing Systems

Cattle Feed Processing Systems

Cattle feed is just one of the many animal feeds that are manufactured throughout the world, and can benefit from rotary drying, size reduction, pelleting, cooling, and material handling. Most cattle in the US are on a diet that consists of a multitude of cattle feed options depending on their needs. Most cattle are raised on pasture from their birth in the spring until autumn, which is about seven to nine months. Cattle that are destined to be used in the meat industry are usually fed cattle feed that is meant to help them gain weight in shorter amounts of time. This cattle feed would be supplemented with grain, soy, and other ingredients that help increase the energy density in their diet.

The manufacturing of animal feed, and more specifically cattle feed, is a multifaceted process that is derived from raw agricultural products. Fodder must be processed to meet the cattle’s specific nutrition requirements, especially if the animal is not able to forage in a more natural environment.

The quality of the cattle feed is very much dependent on the raw product or material that is being processed for feed, such as grain or grass. It is beneficial to both cattle and people if the raw material being used is the best possible quality. As previously stated, the requirements for cattle feed are specific to the individual animal as well its environment and what that animal will be used for, whether it is destined for the meat industry, dairy production, or other. Cattle feed requirements are also dependent on the animal’s age, sex, breed, and environment. For example, dairy cattle need more energy in their feed than other types of cattle. Although the requirements for cattle feed can vary, there are basic nutrient requirements of all animals feeds that need to be present. This includes protein, carbohydrates, and certain vitamins and minerals. There is often a combination of livestock being fed by grazing as well as an integration of cattle feed to meet their specific nutritional needs.

When it comes to processing cattle feed, livestock require a variation of particle sizes, whether fine or coarse, to be present in their feed. Finer particles are more readily digestible, while coarser particles can help increase the amount of start that enters into the small intestine and thus increases the energetic efficiency. The manufacturing process of cattle feed is dependent of the type of feed, but it usually begins with the grinding process. The raw material is ground down to produce particles sizes optimal for the animal of choice, and then pelleted by homogenizing the compositions.

Common raw materials that are seen in cattle feed as well as other livestock feed can contain corn, sorghum, wheat, and barley. These cereals are usually processed with roller and hammer mills to grind the grains into the optimal particle size.

The ONIX Corporation has it in their ability to process numerous products to fit your company or industry needs. Our processing systems can handle numerous materials and co-products that you may not know what to do with or want a better more effective way to process. We have the ability to work with materials such as, but not limited to, apple pomace, citrus pomace, sludge, alfalfa, bagasse, coffee grounds, sawdust, cattle feed and much more. Our equipment is engineered to fit your specific needs. If you feel that The ONIX Corporation may be of assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to research more about our alternative fuel systems, including rotary drum dryers and material handling solutions. Whether dealing with processing cattle feed, or something else, it never hurts to give us a call to learn more.