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Steam pressing tablet grain feed processing technology
What is steam tableting?
Steam tableting is a specialized feed processing technique that involves using high-temperature steam to treat grains. This method increases the digestibility of the starch in the grain, making it more efficient for animal consumption. The process typically begins by placing the raw grain into a steam chamber, where it is heated and moistened for 30 to 60 minutes. This helps fully gelatinize the starch, improving its nutritional value. After steaming, the grain is rolled under pressure to form dense tablets, which are then dried and cooled before packaging.
The steam tableting process includes several key steps: first, the raw materials are cleaned to remove impurities such as stones, metals, and other foreign particles. Then, they are tempered with steam, allowing the moisture content to reach around 18% to 20%. Once properly conditioned, the grain is fed into a tableting machine, where it is compressed into tablets of desired thickness. After pressing, the material is dried and cooled to reduce moisture levels, ensuring safe storage. Finally, the finished product is packaged and either stored or delivered directly to farms.
The mechanism behind steam tableting involves the use of heat and pressure to soften and expand the grain. As the grain is exposed to steam, its starch becomes gelatinized, breaking down the hydrogen bonds within the starch molecules. This makes the starch more accessible for digestion by animals, especially ruminants like cows. Additionally, the process alters the protein structure in the grain, enhancing its absorption in the rumen. Water, heat, time, and mechanical pressure all play essential roles in this transformation, contributing to improved feed efficiency and overall digestibility.
Studies have shown that steam-pressed grains can significantly enhance the lactation performance of dairy cows. Compared to dry milling, steam tableting increases starch digestibility in both the rumen and small intestine, leading to better energy utilization. This results in higher milk production, improved milk protein content, and increased overall yield. On beef cattle, similar benefits have been observed, including enhanced feed conversion efficiency and microbial protein synthesis in the rumen.
Globally, steam tableting has been widely adopted in developed countries such as the United States and European nations for over two decades. In the U.S., 100% of beef cattle fattening operations use steam-pressed grains, while approximately 60–70% of dairy farms have also integrated this technology. South Korea and Japan have recently started adopting the practice as well, with steam tablets making up a large portion of cattle feed. However, in China, despite early research and development efforts during the "7th Five-Year Plan" and "8th Five-Year Plan," the technology has not yet been widely implemented. While there are academic papers and publications on the subject, practical application remains limited, with most Chinese cattle farming still relying on traditional methods and grass-based diets.
Looking ahead, steam tableting holds significant potential for China's growing livestock industry. With the increasing demand for high-quality feed and the need to improve feed efficiency, this technology offers a promising solution. It not only enhances the nutritional value of feed but also reduces production costs and improves the conversion rate of existing resources. As China continues to modernize its agricultural sector, the adoption of steam tableting could play a crucial role in supporting sustainable and efficient animal husbandry practices.