Member Lina Paola Pardo Quevedo
MemberForum Replies Created
-
Thank you ASIA. This is a very good thread – all should read and pay attention.
-
I agree with ASIA’s post – in the resources tab in the Feed manufacturing discussion board and maybe in the “Feed Milling with …” there is a PPT on size reduction. The suggestion of 10hp/ton is only a generalization – motor size is much more dependent on the design of the hammermill and the number of hammers suspended from the rods – also, most electric motors outside the U.S. run of 50Hz not 60Hz.
-
Your question is interesting and ASIA has provided an excellent response regarding male broiler breeders – there could be some slight concern with phytoestorgens in swine if SBM is not properly heat processed.This is the type of question to pose during Office Hours with Jeffery Escobar as well as posting in the Poultry discussion board.
-
Very good – thank you. Good comments from others.
-
The following process variables strongly influence calibration frequency in feed mills:
Ingredient Variability – Bulk density changes (soybean meal, maize, minerals) alter how weight is distributed, increasing calibration needs.
Equipment Wear – Continuous operation and abrasive raw materials (limestone, salts) cause load cell drift and mechanical wear.
Usage Frequency – High-throughput feed mills operating 24/7 require shorter calibration intervals.
Dust and Residue – Dust accumulation on weigh hoppers can falsely increase readings, requiring more frequent cleaning and recalibration.
Regulatory Requirements – Feed safety standards (e.g., GMP+, FDA, ISO, FAMI-QS) often mandate documented calibration intervals.
As a result, microdosing scales may require weekly or even daily checks, while batching scales can often be maintained on a monthly or quarterly schedule, depending on the mill’s production intensity.
-
In Feed Mill batching and microdosing processes, what are the key parameters that determine calibration frequency to ensure measurement accuracy and regulatory compliance?
-
“What is the recommended calibration frequency for batching and micro dosing scales at Feed Mill, considering factors such as wear and tear, bulk density variations, and operational usage rates?”
-
This is one of the most common questions we get asked at Scales Plus. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. At a minimum, we generally recommend calibrating scales at least once per year. However, there are a variety of considerations to make, and reasons why a scale should be calibrated more often. Beyond a regular calibration schedule, there are factors that would prompt a verification and calibration outside of regularly scheduled checks.
-
Scales are important pieces of equipment in industries . Accurate measurements ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. However, a scale’s accuracy can drift over time due to wear and tear,bulk density, and usage frequency. This raises the question: how often we should caliberate
-
Feed mills can significantly benefit from data analytics by optimizing production efficiency, reducing costs, improving product quality, and enhancing decision-making. Here’s a detailed look at how feed mills can leverage data analytics across various operational areas:
1. Raw Material Procurement & Inventory Management:
How Analytics Helps:
Forecast raw material demand based on production schedules and sales forecasts.
Use predictive models to anticipate market price changes and plan purchases.
Track inventory turnover to reduce holding costs and spoilage risk.
Example:
Analyzing historical usage and price trends to decide when to bulk-purchase soybean meal before seasonal price hikes.
2. Formulation Optimization:
How Analytics Helps:
Use least-cost formulation algorithms with real-time ingredient prices and nutritional data.
Analyze formulation vs. performance data to refine diet specifications.
Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining feed quality.
Example:
Replacing a high-cost protein source with a more cost-effective alternative without compromising nutrient balance.
3. Production Process Monitoring:
How Analytics Helps:
Monitor machine efficiency, downtime, and throughput in real time.
Use process control data (e.g., temperature, moisture) to ensure consistency.
Detect bottlenecks or anomalies using predictive maintenance models.
Example:
Analyzing pellet mill data to identify the optimal moisture level that reduces energy use and increases pellet durability.
4. Quality Assurance & Traceability:
How Analytics Helps:
Track quality metrics (e.g., moisture, particle size, mycotoxin levels) and correlate with ingredient sources or supplier performance.
Implement statistical process control (SPC) to identify deviations.
Support traceability and compliance with data logs across the supply chain.
Example:
Linking a spike in customer complaints to a particular ingredient batch or supplier.
5. Logistics & Distribution:
How Analytics Helps:
Optimize delivery routes and scheduling to minimize fuel costs and delivery times.
Forecast demand by region or customer to streamline dispatch.
Use GPS and IoT data for real-time delivery tracking and performance metrics.
Example:
Dynamic routing for bulk feed trucks based on real-time traffic and customer proximity.
6. Customer Insights & Sales Forecasting:
How Analytics Helps:
Use historical sales data to forecast future demand by product type, region, or customer.
Identify buying patterns to tailor offerings or pricing strategies.
Evaluate customer profitability and loyalty metrics.
Example:
Targeting discounts or promotions to high-volume customers during their seasonal demand spikes.
7. Maintenance & Asset Management:
How Analytics Helps:
Implement predictive maintenance using sensor data (vibration, temperature, usage hours).
Schedule maintenance proactively to avoid costly unplanned downtime.
Example:
Analyzing bearing temperature trends to predict mill motor failure before it happens.
8. Strategic Decision-Making & KPIs:
How Analytics Helps:
Develop interactive dashboards (e.g., using Power BI, Tableau) for real-time visibility into operations.
Track KPIs like cost per ton, energy consumption, batch rejection rates, etc.
Use scenario modeling to support investment or expansion decisions.
<ul data-start=”3391″ data-end=”3659″>
-
Stay cool. Some research suggests that if the scrotum gets too warm, it could lower the body’s ability to make sperm effectively. Wearing loose-fitting underwear, sitting less, and not using saunas and hot tubs may improve sperm quality.
-
The accumulation of water in the abdomen of birds in a production shed, also known as ascites or water belly, is likely due to a condition called <mark>ascites syndrome</mark>
-
Quality control in egg and meat production is maintained <mark>through a multi-faceted approach involving strict hygiene practices, regular monitoring, and adherence to established standards throughout the production chain</mark>.
-
For optimal poultry growth, essential nutrients include <mark>carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.</mark>
-
Diagnosing and treating sick birds on the farm <mark>involves a multi-step process that includes observation, examination, testing, and treatment</mark>
