Optimized research on compound straw pellet feed production process

To improve the production efficiency, product quality, and commercialization level of forage pellet feed, this trial used corn stalk and alfalfa hay as raw materials (by quality ratio 1∶1) to evaluate the optimized production process of compound straw pellet feed. Firstly, the effect of moisture on the molding rate of mixed straw powder was examined using the single factor test design. The moisture was detected as 8%, 10%, 13%, 16%, 19%, 22%, and 25%. The results indicated that the molding rate of compound straw pellet feed showed a downward trend with increased moisture content. The molding rate of pellets was significantly higher than that of other treatment groups, especially for the no moisture addition treatment (P < 0.05). Secondly, the optimal production process parameters for the compound straw pellet feed were evaluated by using the L₉ (3⁴) design orthogonal test, moisture (8%, 10%, and 13%), raw material pulverization particle size (4, 6, and 8 mm), and mold hole diameter (6, 7, and 9 mm); the molding rate, hardness, and density were used as indexes of influencing factors. The order in which the influencing factors affected the quality of compound straw pellet feed was mold hole diameter, raw material pulverization particle size, and moisture addition. The optimal production process parameters were 7 mm mold hole diameter, 8 mm pulverization particle size, and 8% moisture.