Fish Nutrition & Feed Technology

Unit 10 - Methods of feed formulation and manufacturing

10.4.2.Receiving

The first operation in the feed processing plant involves the receiving of raw materials into the plant premises. Feed ingredients arrive in sacks, or other small containers, and in bulk.

Sacked ingredients are checked for identification and condition. They are then logged in after segregation of drugs and medications. Sacked ingredients must then be stored in a dry location with proper protection from rodent and insect infestation. Sacked stocks are then rotated to minimize staleness, product degradation, and insect infestation.

Bulk ingredients are handled according to their physical form. Liquid ingredients, such as oils and molasses, are generally stored in bulk tanks. Proper storage temperature is maintained and the filter screens are checked periodically. Solid bulk ingredients such as grains, oil meals, etc., are cleaned with a scalper to remove foreign material prior to storage in bins. Bin temperatures are monitored to prevent heating due to grinning respiration.