Implementación de un sistema de peletización en la producción de alimento para pollos camperos.

Abstract

The present research aimed to implement a pelletizing system for the production of plant-based compound feed intended for free-range chickens, structured into three nutritional phases: starter, grower, and finisher. The formulations were developed using the Pearson method, with locally available plant and mineral ingredients. In the starter phase, a feed containing 21% crude protein and ≥ 3,100 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME) per kilogram was formulated, meeting the nutritional requirements for chicks in their first age. The feed was processed through pelletization, producing pellets of 2 mm in diameter from a 0.5 mm grind, which facilitated consumption. In the grower phase, the feed was formulated with 18% crude protein and 3,000 kcal ME/kg, using 3 mm pellets and a 0.8 mm grind, parameters consistent with recommendations found in technical literature. In the finisher phase, from 42 days of age until slaughter, the feed was designed with 17% crude protein and 3,000 kcal ME/kg, using 3.5 mm pellets and a 0.9 mm grind. At all stages, achiote (Bixa orellana L.) was incorporated at 0.5% as a plant-based additive with pigmenting and antioxidant properties. The economic analysis showed that the production of plant-based compound feed through this system is viable, with a cost per pound of US$ 0.31 in the starter phase, US$ 0.29 in the grower phase, and US$ 0.29 in the finisher phase, maintaining affordability for local producers.