ISSUE FOCUS 34 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE May 2023 MOISTURE MANAGEMENT DRIVES MILLING EFFICIENCY AND FEED QUALITY Proper moisture management is also essential in animal feed production. Moisture levels in feed must be carefully controlled to prevent mold and bacterial growth, which can lead to further contamination (rancidity), as well as increased chance of disease in food-producing animals. Commercial mills and integrators face poor feed form and moisture management challenges leading to reduced efficiency and productivity within the mills, feed wastage, nutrient segregation and uniformity challenges in the field. Efficient feed milling means producing high-quality feed at the lowest possible cost. This can be achieved through measures that optimize the use of resources, improve production processes, and reduce waste. Balancing production efficiency and nutritional value requires a mechanism that improves moisture penetration and facilitates more effective meal conditioning. When we optimize moisture within feed formulations, we support feed form goals and microbial quality. Moisture that penetrates and is retained within feed particles during conditioning and pressing acts as a heat conduit, allowing for uniform heat transfer throughout the meal. Even distribution of heat through the feed due to better moisture penetration and retention improves starch gelatinization and limits available water to microbial populations. This results in a longer shelf-life, increased pellet quality and improved nutrient digestibility. Commercial trials performed with Anitox Maxi-Mil by the International Research Institute of Feed Technology have shown that 1% Maxi-Mil inclusion improves conditioning rates, pellet stability/
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