What a journey the last 2 weeks. Around the world to lecture at a Progressus AgriSchool Course on Aquafeed Milling Management. You know keeping the plant running at max capacity effectively. It was a great event with a visit to a feedmill to evaluate what we had discussed with corrective solutions offered. Keep an eye on Progressus and upcoming ‘live in person events’ and possible ‘Online Milling School’ courses in conjunction with Perendale Publishers with my favourites being in Aqua and Petfood production arenas. The following week continued west to end up in Tunisia at the Aquaculture Africa event, with heavy discussions on aquafeed sales all over Africa on behalf of Grand Fish Feeds of Egypt. Africans have a definite interest in aquaculture which involves feed production, so I am all in.
In the edition we have a number of articles on insect meal as an ingredient and we will continue to do so as this field is advancing, and new information constantly arises on its tested benefits and reasons for inclusion in the formulations.
Kansas State University and the Petfood Institute – interesting my alma mater wants to get involved in the deep understand of petfood ingredients. Manhattan and associated campuses are amazing and the investments near KSU on food and feed research and protection shows that the 1st land grant University in the nation continues to place an importance on and for the agriculture sector. I am sure they will find a middle ground to agree towards the advancement of knowledge in this ever-growing field of petfoods.
General Mills and Premium Petfood Brands acquire additional petfood brands. Consolidation in both Europe and USA. Exciting as it shows growth and interest in this huge market worldwide. Expecting to see some new items or advancements from these companies down the line as they continue to become powerhouse producers of petfoods.
If we want to talk powerhouse petfood producers, consider the world leader, Mars, is advancing its goals in an amazing fashion. Mars Wodonga’s first renewable energy powered steam plant in Australia, a location where fresh style pouch meals are produced. I’ve never been in this location but have been at various Mars petfood locations the world including Brasil, Australia and Argentina. Actually, in Argentina I met Mrs J Mars at their plant causally while visiting with a group and she introduced herself. I did the same in return but I had to offer up that I was greatly impressed with the ‘cleanliness of her kitchens’, the factory. Having had the ability to think of the exact thing to say as the precise moment is a gift, I will never forget her smile. This was a long time ago and the standards at Mars were far ahead of most others in plant design for sanitation reasons and safety. I still keep in contact with Richard Merrick, a long-time friend from Mars downunder, who resides in Thailand.
Speaking of Thailand again, the fourth leading exporter of pet products including petfoods of course. There are many petfood producers and having just seen one facility briefly it appeared to be up to standard based on new USDA regulations on bacteria in petfoods, area separations for final product protection. Congrats to Thailand on this.
Red Lentils in petfood. Agreed, it seems reasonable as they do have a decent ingredient profile. The discussion was use of by-products from a food production facility. In reading this, this incorporation produced a kibble a bit denser and harder. I would expect so as you are adding, not knowing the percent, some already cooked, I assume, product. In general, extruding kibbles with 10 percent rework, already cooked kibble, you have the same experience. The processes might not be similar but if the starch cells are ruptured or cooked then this portion of the formula would not promote expansion. Some possibilities, as seen with other legume-based proteins, adding specific mechanical energy and water into the system is needed to get a similar product characteristic post extrusion.
Having mentioned SME just above it can be noted extrusion suppliers such as Andritz, see add, have a system where SME can be adjusted with their Flex-Tech device independent of the die while running to make needed expansion adjustments. It works in both directions if you are operating in the middle of its range of operation. Other manufacturers have similar devices as they realise the need for quick adjustments in this ever-expanding range of raw materials available. Andritz has some very good people, I’ve met them and worked with them on many lecturing events around the world and in the above-mentioned short courses. They have history and some individuals have branched out on their own and created very meaningful devices for petfood and aquatic feed production.
More comments on our advertisers, I have not normally done this but having started above let’s continue. Dinnissen, the vacuum coater specialists, I have worked with over many years due to their importance in coating salmon feeds accurately and with high levels of oil. It works well on low level inclusion as well as mid-level if you set it up according to what you wish to do. What I mean is one to three percent, eight to 20 percent and above 30 percent for any oil addition levels accurately by weight.
PLP systems, another company at the top of their game in microdosing and as advertised coating of petfoods accurately by knowing the dry flow rate slaved to the liquid flows for accuracy in atmospheric coaters. It has been great working with them on projects as well.
From Texas A&M, Dr Mian Riaz has their infamous short courses on Feed and Food Extrusion and Production. Having been honoured to lecture in many of his events over the years perhaps a review of some experiences should be in order. Mian has always selected the key suppliers and scientific personnel in order to line up a complete review of the process from raw materials through to the final product. I do see the course is widening to include a wide range of topics and methods. Congrats to my friends at Extru-Tech for sponsoring this upcoming event first of the year – well worth attending.
That raps it up for the year. May I wish all a happy holiday season for all of your holidays around the world. Happy new year with ‘health, wealth and happiness’ as my UK pals say.
Let’s strive for world peace so we can get back to work at having more fun while keeping you minds on petfood production.
Published in the December 2024 issue of International Petfood.
