Effects of Dry and Liquid Pellet Binder Inclusion and Conditioning Temperature on Pellet Mill Efficiency and Pellet Quality of a High-Fiber Ruminant Ration

The objectives of this experiment were: 1) to determine the effects sucrose and lactose-based liquid ingredient inclusion on pelleting efficiency quality a high-fiber diet; 2) evaluate role mash conditioning temperature binding effectiveness tested ingredients. Binders included DLS (dry calcium lignosulfonate), LCM (liquid cane molasses), LMB (commercial molasses blend), LLB lactose blend). Treatments were arranged in 5 × 3 factorial pellet binder (control, DLS, LCM, LMB, LLB) (165, 175, 185°F). Data analyzed using GLIMMIX procedure SAS with linear quadratic contrasts for increasing temperature. completely randomized design replicated times. Diets conditioned approximately 40 s pelleted 0.19 1.75 in. die at rate 3.0 ton/h. Pellet durability index (PDI) was determined standard modified tumble box methods. There no evidence an interaction (P > 0.209) between type when determining PDI according either or Conditioning alone did not affect 0.119); however, differences observed based method < 0.046). Using analysis, improved 0.046) by LLS addition compared both control diets, while intermediate. According greater agitative stress, 0.005) diet, being Additionally, reduced 0.001) mill throughput increased energy consumption motor other binders, 0.269) resulting from Under constraints trial, commercial blends shown be effective regardless ration. However, challenges handling characteristics friction interface may reduce its practical application encourage use alternative blends.