Micro-ingredients such as vitamins, enzymes, pre- and probiotics play a crucial role in concentrated feeds and diet feeds. However, vitamins, enzymes, pre- and probiotics which are added to feed pellets in only minute amounts are very fragile. Contact with oxygen causes certain nutritional compounds to become oxidized and lose much of their effectiveness. This can easily happen during the transport and storage of the pellets.

Optimum effectiveness
Based on existing technology that had been applied earlier for the production of baby foods and premium diet foods for pets, Dinnissen Process Technology now uses the technique for cattle feed. The Pegasusâ Mixer makes it possible to spray vitamins, enzymes, pre- and probiotics in predefined and very accurate quantities onto the surface of cattle feeds and, in addition, to optimize process conditions such as temperature, residence time and rotational speed.

After being sprayed onto the pellets, the tiny quantities of micro-ingredients are transported deep inside the pellet with the help of the special Pegasusâ Vacuum Coater, thereby protecting them from falling off and from contact with oxygen.

High hopes
Dinnissen Process Technology has high hopes for this new technology. Henri Michiels, company director: "We expect to be able to improve the effectiveness of (cattle) feeds with this new technology, thereby enabling cattle farmers to realize improved results. This new method creates opportunities in the feed sector to develop improved feed products and to reduce the use of aggressive acids. The latter are now often used to improve the shelf life of vitamins, enzymes and pre- and probiotics."

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Dinnissen  

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