Moisture Optimization of Animal Feeds and Raw Materials

Moisture, in the context of feed and raw materials should not be viewed just as the water component. Moisture in animal feeds and raw materials has multiple functions, both physiological and technological.

The physiological importance of moisture in feed and raw materials is well documented and demonstrated across all living species. Moisture plays a critical role as a nutrient and a medium of transport of nutrients. In addition, moisture potentially offers a technological advantage when managed properly in any medium, especially in feeds. This is achieved by regulating the Water Activity (Aw) of feed or raw materials using the right set of surfactants.

During hot and dry seasons, the raw materials tend to contain lesser moisture than the usual making them extra-dry. When such extra-dry raw materials are used, the feed produced often is dusty and relatively less nutritive. Further, such extra-dry feed is less palatable, less digestible, less nutritive, forms poor pellets, becomes more abrasive, consumes higher energy for pelleting and less productive. When such a feed is consumed by the livestock, they need to re-hydrate the extra-dry feed for optimal digestion and utilization of nutrients.

Given the importance of water, it is essential for a profitable livestock farming operation to selectively optimize its levels in feeds and raw materials. The process of optimization can be either of addition or removal of moisture from the ingredients. While there are proven methods of removal of moisture from feed and raw materials like sun drying, convection drying etc, effectively incorporating moisture that can be retained over a longer period of time continues to be a challenge. Moisture that is topical, adds to the free water content and hence increases water activity or is lost quickly. Moisture that penetrates into the feed or raw materials adds to the integral water content and is retained over longer periods of storage. Such moisture also helps rehydrating the nutrients and renewing the lost hydration bonds.

• ReciTOL® S Liquid is a combination of select non ionic wetting surface active agents composed of polyphenyl polyethylene glycolates, diol alcohols and organic acids.
• ReciTOL® S Liquid has superior penetration capability into feed and raw materials without increasing the water activity.
• ReciTOL® S Liquid free from corrosion and pungency.

• ReciTOL® S Liquid helps penetration and retention of moisture into feed particles and raw materials.
• ReciTOL® S Liquid helps recover losses during process and due to use of dry raw materials.
• ReciTOL® S Liquid helps maintain the texture and nutrient profile of feed all through the year.
• ReciTOL® S Liquid improves pelletability and pellet quality of feed through optimized moisture content.
• ReciTOL® S Liquid helps minimize wear and tear of pellet die; increased die life.
• ReciTOL® S Liquid helps minimize power consumption by pellet mill through improved lubricant effect.
• ReciTOL® S Liquid improves palatability and digestibility of feed, thereby animal performance.
• ReciTOL® S Liquid is non corrosive, free from toxicity at recommended levels, easily available and economical in use