How Feed Is Made: Inside the Feed Manufacturing Process

Behind every cut of steak, carton of eggs, or fillet of farmed fish lies a critical component often overlooked in the global food chain: animal feed production. As the foundation of modern animal agriculture and aquaculture, feed directly shapes the growth, health, and productivity of livestock and aquatic species—factors that ultimately determine the efficiency and sustainability of our food systems.

Yet transforming grains, proteins, and additives into nutritionally balanced feed isn’t a simple matter of mixing ingredients. It’s a precision-driven science, where raw materials undergo calculated processing to unlock their full potential.

This article explores the intricate processes of feed manufacturing, keep reading to learn how livestock feed, aquafeed and other specialized product is made! 

Raw Material Selection and Handling  

Producing high-quality animal feed starts with selecting the right raw materials. Each ingredient plays a specific role: grains like corn provide energy, protein meals such as soybean or canola deliver essential amino acids, fats supply concentrated energy, and vitamins and minerals support vital metabolic functions.

Once selected, ingredients undergo a series of handling and preparation steps to maintain quality and ensure consistency—key priorities for any feed manufacturer.

Grains are often pre-cleaned to remove dust, stones, and other impurities. Protein meals are stored in dry, controlled environments to avoid moisture buildup and mold. Fats, which are sensitive to oxidation, require temperature-regulated storage. Vitamins and minerals are kept in secure, climate-controlled conditions to preserve potency.

Efficient material handling systems, such as pneumatic conveyors and automated storage silos, help move ingredients through the facility with minimal contamination risk. Precision batching systems then weigh and mix raw materials according to precise formulations.

Batching, Mixing, and Grinding: Achieving Uniformity  

After raw materials are selected and properly handled, the feed manufacturing process begins with batching and mixing, followed by grinding. This sequence ensures accurate formulation and homogeneity before particle size is reduced.

Batching for Precise Formulations

Ingredients are weighed and dosed according to precise feed formulations. Automated batching systems ensure each nutrient component is added in the correct proportion, setting the foundation for balanced animal nutrition.

Mixing for Homogeneity

The batched ingredients are thoroughly mixed to ensure every portion of feed contains a uniform nutrient distribution. Homogeneous mixing is critical to prevent nutritional imbalances that can affect animal growth and health.

Grinding to Optimize Digestibility

Once the mix is homogeneous, the ingredients are ground to reduce particle size, improving digestibility and nutrient absorption. Hammer mills, roller mills, or impact mills may be used depending on the desired fineness and feed type.

Conditioning, Pelleting, Extrusion, and Drying  

Following mixing and grinding, the feed manufacturing process undergoes conditioning, pelleting or extrusion, and then drying—each step enhancing the physical and nutritional quality of the final product.

1. Role of Steam Conditioning

Steam conditioning involves adding moisture and heat to the raw materials, softening them and improving their workability. This process promotes starch gelatinization and protein denaturation, enhances nutrient availability, and effectively eliminates harmful microorganisms through high-temperature treatment. This improves the hygienic quality of the feed, ensuring animal health.

2. Differences Between Pelleting and Extrusion

Pelleting is commonly used for livestock feed, where materials are compressed into small pellets for easy handling and digestion. In contrast, extrusion is primarily used in aquafeed, where high temperatures and pressures shape the feed, making it suitable for different aquatic species.

3. Drying to Remove Moisture

After extrusion, feed must be properly dried to reduce moisture content and prevent spoilage. With multiple heat source options and hygienic design considerations, modern drying processes enhance efficiency, minimize energy waste, and help maintain high feed quality.

Cooling, Crumbling, and Coating  

Cooling, crumbling, and coating are final steps in feed manufacturing that improve feed quality, storage, and palatability.

1. Cooling to Stabilize Pellet Structure

After pelleting or drying, the feed retains a high temperature that must be reduced before packaging or storage. Cooling lowers the feed’s temperature to near ambient levels, helping to stabilize its structure and prevent moisture condensation, mold growth, or nutrient degradation. Effective cooling is essential to ensure the safety and shelf life of the finished product.

2. Crumbling for Young Animals or Fish

Crumbling is essential for young animals or fish that cannot consume large pellets. The feed is broken into smaller, bite-sized pieces, ensuring that it is easier to ingest and digest, supporting healthy growth and development.

3. Coating Systems for Oils, Vitamins, and Attractants

Post-extrusion, coating systems apply oils, vitamins, and attractants to enhance nutritional value and palatability. These coatings help improve feed intake, especially for fish and pets, by making the feed more attractive and ensuring the retention of sensitive nutrients.

Modern Solutions from FAMSUN: Smart Feed

At FAMSUN, we’re dedicated to building smart feed mills that empower the future of agriculture.

By integrating industrial automation, intelligent feed manufacturing, and digital technology, we help feed producers achieve efficient, traceable, and sustainable production. Our solutions cover the entire feed processing chain—from grinding to coating—with seamless data connectivity and real-time monitoring.

Rooted in a strong commitment to innovation and customer success, we work to reshape feed manufacturing through smarter, greener, and more reliable systems. Contact us now to embrace top notch feed solutions!