The Challenge of Balance: High Throughput vs. Pellet Quality

This episode explores the long-standing challenge of balancing throughput and pellet quality in modern feed milling. The discussion highlights why the two often compete: higher throughput can strain equipment, reduce retention time, and limit the conditions needed for strong pellet integrity. The experts unpack how formulation choices, moisture management, grind size, and ingredient variability directly influence both production efficiency and pellet durability. They walk through each stage of the process—from conditioning to pelleting to cooling—identifying where the biggest quality and throughput gains are typically made and where small adjustments can create outsized results. A key theme is the importance of collaboration between nutritionists and mill operators to align formulation, equipment capabilities, and operational targets. Finally, the episode outlines practical troubleshooting steps when higher throughput begins to erode pellet quality, emphasizing moisture, die condition, retention time, and mechanical setup as the first areas to evaluate.