If you’re a poultry farmer or simply interested in animal nutrition, you may have come across the term “premix” in relation to poultry feed.
But what exactly is premix and why is it important for poultry nutrition?
In this article, we’ll explore the basics of premix in poultry feed, including its composition, manufacturing process, and advantages and disadvantages.
So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into the world of premix in poultry feed!
What Is Premix In Poultry Feed?
Premix is a mixture of vitamins, trace minerals, medicaments, feed supplements, and diluents that is added to poultry feed to ensure adequate nutrition. These micro-ingredients are incorporated into the feed at levels typically between 0.2 to 0.5% in the compound feed.
To ensure that these micro-ingredients are mixed with macro-ingredients in a homogeneous way, an intermediate dilution step is required via a premixture. Premixtures are legally defined as mixtures of feed additives or mixtures of one or more feed additives with feed materials or water used as carriers, not intended for direct feeding to animals.
The manufacturing of premixtures requires a specific technology and is often performed by specialized companies. The premix industry is charged with the responsibility of manufacturing a high-quality premix consistently, efficiently, and economically.
The Composition Of Premix In Poultry Feed
The composition of premix in poultry feed can vary depending on the specific nutritional needs of the birds. Premixes typically contain a mixture of vitamins, trace minerals, medicaments, feed supplements, and diluents. These micro-ingredients are incorporated into the feed to ensure that the birds receive adequate nutrition.
The premix industry is responsible for manufacturing a high-quality premix consistently and efficiently. To achieve this, premixes are formulated with specific ingredients in precise amounts. The selection and specifications of raw materials used in premixes are crucial to ensure that they meet the desired nutritional requirements.
Premixes are designed to be added to poultry feed at appropriate levels, typically between 0.2 to 0.5% in the compound feed. This ensures that the micro-ingredients are mixed with macro-ingredients in a homogeneous way.
The manufacturing process of premixes involves several steps, including raw material selection and purchase, receipt and storage, sampling and analysis, processing, formulation, weighing, mixing, packaging, labeling, and storage of finished premix. Good manufacturing practices are followed in all areas of production to ensure that the quality of the premix is maintained.
The Manufacturing Process Of Premix In Poultry Feed
The production purpose of premix is to dilute and expand the trace component additives, and then the active ingredients in them are evenly dispersed in the compound feed. The premix can be produced by a manufacturer that specializes in producing such products, or it can be produced in a special production workshop attached to the compound feed factory.
The manufacturing process of premix in poultry feed involves several steps. The first step is sieving, which involves removing foreign materials from the raw materials and separating coarse ingredients. This process is usually performed in mechanical sifters or vibratory sifters. The raw materials obtained after this process are usually ground to reduce particle size to the desired screen analysis.
The next step is mixing, which is done to ensure that a uniform mix is obtained through proper mixing. Manufacturers use horizontal or rotary drum mixers for this step because they can combine raw materials with a wide range of densities. These specialized mixers can mix to a low coefficient of variation (CV). The mixing stage occurs in two steps. The first one, micro-mixing, is for mixing ingredients that weigh less than a percent of the mixer’s capacity. The second step is macro-mixing, which involves incorporating and blending a carrier such as rice hulls or corn cobs into the premix.
After mixing, the premixture is bagged, weighed, labeled, and transferred to the warehouse area. The premixture is then incorporated at levels typically between 0.2 to 0.5% in the compound feed.
Accuracy and consistency become very difficult when blending low-inclusion ingredients or converting products from one form to another. That’s why manufacturers focus on manufacturing capabilities on a select number of specialty products which, when supported by their vast technical experience, allow them to maintain the highest standards in their products. Their manufacturing process starts with in-depth reviews of their suppliers and thorough analyses of product samples at their in-house or accredited third-party labs. Once they’ve ensured that they’re dealing with only the best-quality raw materials, they use their cutting-edge software to automate the weighing and mixing of ingredients and the formulation of the final product.
Advantages Of Using Premix In Poultry Feed
Using premix in poultry feed has several advantages. Firstly, it ensures that the poultry receives a balanced and nutrient-rich feed that supports their overall growth and health needs. Although premix constitutes a small portion of the feed, it provides enormous benefits by delivering micro-ingredients in a manner desired by the consumer.
Secondly, premixing ensures that important ingredients are properly combined to generate a perfect blend. This means that the farmer not only provides the chickens with the necessary nutrients but also saves on feed. With such a diet, birds remain healthy and active, their susceptibility to infectious diseases decreases, and productivity increases.
Thirdly, premixing is a value-added solution for feeds with sustainable safety and quality. It is a proactive, continuous system for monitoring reproducibility and reliability of a product. It encompasses all the activities undertaken to ensure predetermined standards of a quality premix.
Disadvantages Of Using Premix In Poultry Feed
While premix is widely used in poultry feed, there are some disadvantages to consider. One significant drawback is the relatively high cost of premix compared to other feed options. Additionally, it can be challenging to calculate the correct dosage of premix, as overfeeding can be harmful to the birds. Another issue is the difficulty in choosing a quality product, as there are many fake premixes on the market. Furthermore, premixes often have a uniform composition, which can lead to chickens refusing to eat due to a lack of food diversity.
Another concern with using premixes is the potential for dust. Dust from premixes can cause serious respiratory health problems and even risk explosion. High levels of minerals and trace elements in premixes, not to mention medication premixes, can also be highly toxic. However, dust can be controlled effectively using a nutritionally valuable additive that helps in processing.
Conclusion: Is Premix Right For Your Poultry Feed?
After analyzing the information provided above, it is clear that premix is essential for ensuring the adequate and balanced nutrition of poultry. The addition of premix to poultry feed provides the necessary vitamins, trace minerals, and other micro-ingredients that are crucial for avian health and performance. The premix industry is responsible for producing high-quality premix in a consistent, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
While some may question whether premix is necessary for their poultry feed, it is important to note that the balance of minerals and vitamins in poultry diets has become increasingly crucial to improve diet compositions and satisfy the demands of modern chicken production. Providing the right nutrition for your chickens means ensuring that what they eat supplies all of the essential amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water that they will need to produce the meat or eggs you hope to collect.
