TECHNOLOGY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE November 2025 99 The pressure-hydrothermal expander process, developed by the Reinbek-based mechanical engineering company Amandus Kahl, is a proven method for increasing the UDP value. In this process, the feed protein undergoes treatment with steam, pressure, and temperature to specifically alter its structure and increase rumen stability. After preliminary grinding with a crushing roller mill and steam preconditioning in a continuous mixer, the process material is briefly heated to high temperatures under high pressure using the Kahl crown expander (High Temperature Short Time or HTST). The hot, expanded product is then fed into the long-term conditioner, also known as a hydrothermal reactor. This machine maintains the product's temperature near the boiling point for approximately 20 minutes, significantly increasing the UDP value. At the same time, digestibility in the small intestine improves. Finally, the expanded product, or expandate, is cooled in the belt cooler, resulting in a stable and nutrient-rich end product. Thanks to its uniform particle structure, the expanded product is particularly resistant to segregation in total mixed rations (TMRs), which largely prevents selective feed intake. Alternatively, the expanded product can be pelleted with minimal extra energy. 3 2 4 4 1 Pre-grinding with a crushing roller mill Main machines of a UDP expander line for increasing the rumen stability of feed protein Conditioning in a continuous mixer Pressure conditioning with the crown expander Long-term conditioning in a hydrothermal reactor Gentle cooling with a belt cooler Technology for maximizing protein utilization: Machines in a UDP expander line that increase rumen stability in a sustainable way
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