Evaluation of Mixing Efficacy of Carriers for Supplemental Nutrient Premixes in Animal Feed

Animal feed is commonly formulated with vitamin and mineral premixes to supply the micronutrient requirements of animal. Premixes typically require carriers which act as a delivery system for micronutrients aid in uniformity, dilution, dispersibility across entire mix. However, little information available regarding how different might influence dispersion nutrients throughout premix. Therefore, main objective was develop method systematically evaluate mixing efficacy premix formulation. A currently established analysis mixer uniformity adapted repurposed evaluation carriers, rice hulls, pea fiber, soy hulls. These were evaluated duplicate 40-lb batch sizes using single-shaft, double ribbon horizontal mixer. Additionally, these described based on their physical properties flow behavior. For evaluation, fiber had largest coefficient variation (CV) (17.08%). Rice are industry standard, hulls similar one another (6.02 5.36%, respectively) acceptable CV. Soy mean particle size (802.46 μm ± 2.04), followed by (458.42 2.84), smallest (339.35 1.79). critical orifice diameter (COD), COD (30, 28, 20 mm, respectively). Pea angle repose at 41.00° closely 40.24°. shallowest 35.28°. The analysis, COD, give useful indications an ingredient’s handling there no easily discernible relationship between tests carriers. This supports utility separate specific ingredients. standard continue rank better numerous metrics than other including lower cost improved ingredient-handling capabilities. also indicating that two ingredients would facilitate distribution some sectors feed/ pet food have pushed remove cereal grains and/or from products. With market demands, manufacturers may need find alternatives more traditional can be techniques.