Feed expander for high-temperature and short-time (HTST) conditioning

High-temperature and short-time (HTST) conditioning is a process primarily used for the pre-treatment and conditioning of livestock feed. A traditional cascade mixer is applied to heat the temperature of the compound to 80–90° C by means of steam. The compound is then conditioned in the feed expander through a kneading process under high pressure, which results in further increase of the compound’s temperature.

Advantages of the feed expander

• Improved physical pellet quality, fewer fines
• Elimination of bacteria, mold etc.
• Improved activation of natural binders inherent in raw materials
• Possibility of adding larger amounts of liquid additives, i.e. fat or molasses, through which pellet coating may become unnecessary
• Improved digestibility of the feed pellets
• Reduction of growth inhibitors
• Improved feed rate
• Improved starch cook