Reliable Feed Manufacturing in Brazilian Shrimp Aquaculture: A Technical Review #Background Brazil’s shrimp farming industry has expanded steadily over the past decade, with production concentrated in Santa Catarina, Ceará, and Rio Grande do Norte. As farms scale up, the quality of manufactured feed has become a differentiating factor. In this context, the selection of pelleting equipment directly affects pellet durability, nutrient retention in water, and ultimately feed conversion performance. This article reviews the experience of a medium-scale shrimp farm in southern Brazil that integrated ring die pelleting technology into its on-site feed production line. #Why Ring Die Technology for Shrimp Feed Shrimp feed requires pellets that remain physically stable in water for extended periods. The ring die pelleting process applies controlled compression through rotating dies and rollers, producing dense, uniform particles. Key technical advantages include: – Controlled compression ratio: Adjustable based on formulation characteristics. – Continuous throughput: Suitable for commercial-scale production. – Flexible die configuration: Hole size and compression ratio can be matched to shrimp life stage. These characteristics make ring die mills a common choice for commercial shrimp feed production. #Equipment Integration The farm installed ring die pelleting equipment supplied by Hongyang Machinery, a manufacturer specializing in feed processing systems. The production line was configured to handle formulations based on fish meal, soybean protein concentrates, and wheat by-products, with protein levels ranging from 32% to 42% depending on shrimp growth stage. ##Key Equipment Parameters | Component | Specification | |———–|—————| | Pellet mill model | Ring die type, 315 kW drive power | | Die diameter | 420 mm | | Pellet size range | 1.5–3.0 mm (interchangeable dies) | | Design capacity | 4–6 t/h depending on formulation | | Conditioner type | Double-shaft with steam injection | The equipment was installed as part of a complete line that included grinding, batching, mixing, conditioning, pelleting, cooling, and screening. #Production Results ##Operational Stability Over a 10-month production period, the pelleting system operated with 93% mechanical availability. Scheduled downtime was primarily for die changes and preventive maintenance. The farm’s maintenance team reported that the equipment’s modular design facilitated routine servicing. ##Feed Quality Metrics Pellet quality was assessed using standard methods: – Pellet Durability Index (PDI): Average 96.2% (ASAE S269.4) – Water stability: Less than 14% dry matter loss after 30-minute immersion – Pellet length uniformity: 95% of pellets within target range These values are consistent with published recommendations for commercial shrimp feed. ##Feed Conversion Performance The farm tracked feed conversion ratio (FCR) across production cycles. After switching to on-site produced feed using the new pelleting line, the average FCR improved from 1.68 to 1.54. While multiple factors contribute to FCR, the farm’s technical staff attributed part of the improvement to more consistent pellet quality and reduced feed waste. #Technical Collaboration and Support A notable aspect of the project was the technical collaboration between the farm and the equipment supplier. Hongyang provided: 1. Commissioning support: On-site adjustment of roller gap, die speed, and steam parameters. 2. Operator training: Training on die change procedures, routine inspection, and basic troubleshooting. 3. Spare parts logistics: Establishment of a local spare parts stockpoint to reduce lead time. This collaborative approach helped ensure that the equipment was properly integrated into the farm’s production routine. #Broader Implications The case illustrates several points relevant to shrimp feed manufacturing: – Equipment reliability is a prerequisite for consistent feed quality. – Technical support and spare parts availability are as important as equipment specifications. – On-site feed production can give farms better control over formulation and quality, provided the equipment is properly selected and maintained. For Brazilian shrimp farmers considering on-site feed production, this case suggests that investing in reliable pelleting equipment—and establishing a strong technical partnership with the supplier—can contribute to both operational stability and product quality. #Conclusion The integration of ring die pelleting technology at a Brazilian shrimp farm demonstrated measurable benefits in terms of production stability, feed quality, and operational control. While each farm’s situation is different, the experience highlights the importance of equipment selection, technical collaboration, and ongoing maintenance in achieving reliable feed manufacturing outcomes. As Brazil’s shrimp farming sector continues to develop, the role of well-designed, properly supported feed manufacturing equipment is likely to become increasingly important. — *This article is based on operational data and customer feedback from a shrimp farming operation in Brazil. Performance data are presented for illustrative purposes and may not be representative of all production environments.* #About Hongyang Feed Machinery Hongyang Machinery manufactures feed processing equipment for poultry, livestock, and aquaculture applications. The company’s product range includes ring die pellet mills, hammer mills, mixers, and complete feed production systems. Hongyang works with customers globally to provide equipment and technical support for feed manufacturing projects. For technical inquiries about shrimp feed production equipment, please contact our team.
Post time: Jun-09-2026
