Temperature Transmitter,High Temperature Pressure Transducer,High Temperature Pressure Sensor,High Temperature Pressure Transmitter Jiangsu Pinpai Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.jspingpa.com
Steam pressing tablet grain feed processing technology
**What is Steam Tableting?**
Steam tableting is a feed processing technique that involves heating grains with steam to improve their nutritional value and digestibility. This method increases the starch gelatinization, making it easier for animals to absorb nutrients. The process typically begins by feeding raw grains into a steam chamber, where they are heated for 30 to 60 minutes. Once the moisture content reaches around 18% to 20%, the grains are then rolled under high pressure using a large roll. This results in a denser, more uniform product that can be used as a high-quality feed ingredient.
**Steam Tableting Process**
The steam tableting process includes several key steps:
- **Raw materials preparation**: Grains are first cleaned to remove impurities such as dust, stones, and metal fragments.
- **Steam heating and tempering**: The cleaned grains are then placed in a quenching tank and exposed to steam, allowing the starch to fully gelatinize.
- **Tableting**: After steaming, the grains are fed into a tableting machine where they are compressed into dense tablets.
- **Drying and cooling**: The resulting tablets are dried and cooled to reduce moisture content, ensuring safe storage.
- **Packaging and storage**: Finally, the finished product is packaged and stored or delivered directly to farms.
This process is relatively simple and cost-effective compared to other grain processing methods like granulation. It allows for greater flexibility in adjusting tablet thickness and density, making it suitable for various types of livestock.
**Mechanism of Action of Steam Tablets**
Steam tableting works by applying heat and mechanical pressure to the grains. This causes the starch to swell and soften, which makes it easier to break down during digestion. As the grains are pressed between two counter-rotating drums, they are fractured and formed into compact tablets.
The primary goal of this process is to gelate the starch, breaking the hydrogen bonds that hold the starch molecules together. This improves the digestibility of the starch, especially for ruminants like cows. Additionally, the heat and pressure also alter the protein structure in the grains, enhancing its absorption in the rumen.
Several factors influence the effectiveness of steam tableting, including water content, temperature, treatment time, and mechanical force. Water helps to soften the grains, while heat accelerates the chemical changes. Sufficient steam conditioning time ensures full gelation, and the mechanical action of the drum helps shape the final product.
**Effects on Lactation Performance in Dairy Cows**
Studies have shown that steam-pressed grains significantly increase starch digestibility in the rumen, small intestine, and overall digestive tract compared to dry milling. As tablet density decreases, digestibility tends to improve. This enhanced starch availability supports better microbial growth in the rumen, leading to improved energy supply for milk production.
For dairy cows, this means higher milk yield, better milk protein content, and improved overall performance. Research has also indicated that steam tableting can enhance the efficiency of converting feed proteins into microbial proteins, benefiting both beef cattle and dairy cows.
**Application Status of Steam Tableting at Home and Abroad**
In developed countries such as the United States and European nations, steam tableting has been widely adopted in the animal husbandry industry for over 20 years. In the U.S., 100% of beef cattle fattening farms use steam-pressed grains, and about 60% to 70% of dairy farms have incorporated this technology in recent years. Countries like South Korea and Japan have also started using steam-pressed grains for cattle and sheep, with it accounting for a significant portion of total feed.
In China, steam tableting was mentioned in national plans as early as the "Seventh Five-Year Plan" and "Eighth Five-Year Plan." However, despite research efforts by institutions like Wuhan Academy of Food Science and Wuxi Academy of Food Science, the technology has not been widely adopted due to limited infrastructure and market demand. Today, there are some publications and academic discussions on the topic, but practical application remains limited. Most Chinese cattle farming still relies on traditional methods, such as grazing or mixing grass with basic concentrates.
**Future Prospects of Steam Tableting in China**
Feed is a crucial component in the development of animal husbandry. With the growing demand for beef and dairy products, China needs more efficient and nutritious feed options. Steam tableting offers a promising solution by improving feed utilization and reducing production costs. Compared to other processing techniques, it enhances the digestibility and conversion rate of corn, making it an ideal choice for modern livestock feeding systems.
As the Chinese cattle industry continues to evolve, the adoption of advanced feed technologies like steam tableting could play a vital role in increasing productivity and sustainability. With proper investment and policy support, this technology has the potential to become a key player in the future of China’s animal agriculture.