Pelletization as a forage conservation technique: Enhancing feed efficiency and sustainability in livestock

Abstract

Integrating crop and livestock production, especially with cattle, is vital for food security and economic growth in India.  The livestock sector helps increase farm income, boosts the national economy, and provides employment opportunities for millions of people. However, productivity lags global standards due to shortages of quality feeds, including green fodder, dry fodder, and concentrates. Stagnant fodder crop cultivation and dwindling permanent pastures exacerbate the challenge of meeting the rising demand for milk and meat. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing livestock productivity and sustaining agriculture. This review highlights the importance of fodder pelletization, compressing animal feeds into dense pellets using a pellet mill. Pelleted feeds offer balanced diets, improved digestibility, and nutrient absorption, with benefits including long-lasting preservation, enhanced handling, stability, bulk density, and palatability. Factors influencing the pelleting process, such as ingredient characteristics, drying, grinding, conditioning, steam pressure, and moisture content, are examined in depth. The positive effects of pelleted feed on ruminant growth and productivity, particularly in cattle and goats, are emphasized, including improvements in milk yield, weight gain, and reproductive performance. These findings emphasize the potential of pelletized feed to address challenges related to fodder scarcity, feed wastage, and transportation costs. This provides valuable insights for efficient diet management in livestock production.