Knowledge Center · Pellet Quality

Pellet quality: measurement and improvement

Q: What PDI is 'good enough'?

Broilers > 92%, layers/pullets > 90%, aqua sinking pellets > 95%, aqua floating pellets > 97%.

Poor pellet quality wastes feed, degrades bird performance and inflates FCR. Enterprise buyers specify Pellet Durability Index (PDI), fines percentage and hardness in every contract — and audit them at intake, not just at the mill.

PDI targets by species
Fines limits
Process levers

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Project references

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Key metrics

New Holmen PDI (target > 92% for broilers, > 95% for aqua), fines < 3% at farm silo, hardness 3–5 kgf, moisture within 0.5% of formulation.

Process levers

Conditioning temperature and steam quality, die specification (L/D ratio), roll gap, cooler retention time and post-pellet handling all move PDI more than any single additive.

Ingredient contribution

Starch gelatinization, fiber level, fat inclusion sequence and particle size distribution set the ceiling of achievable pellet quality.

Contractual protection

Include PDI and fines specifications in every feed purchase or tolling agreement, with an accepted test method and remedy for non-conformance.

1. What equipment do you need? *17 options

2. Type of poultry *

3. Project type *

3b. Project stage *

Tells suppliers how mature the requirement is and how to structure their quote.

4. Estimated CAPEX / procurement value (USD)

Select the bracket that best matches your allocated or anticipated budget. This helps us route the RFQ to suppliers with the right project capacity.

4b. What are you looking for?

Pick all that apply.

4c. Preferred suppliers or brands (optional)

If you already have suppliers or equipment brands in mind, list them (comma-separated). We benchmark them against comparable qualified alternatives — vendor-neutral, no lock-in.

4d. Preferred technical specification (optional)

House size, climate zone, production target, equipment standards, Incoterms, warranty terms, or any must-have scope items. The more specific, the more comparable the quotes.

4e. Target quote submission date (optional)

When do you need supplier proposals back? We align outreach and reminders to this date.

5. Expected decision / award timeline

6. Where & how big?

6b. Farm size

6c. Equipment details (optional)

7. Your contact details *

💬 Anything else? (pick all that apply)

💰 I'd like to explore project financing (equipment, turnkey, or expansion).

📝 Project description (optional — helps suppliers quote faster)

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Most buyers receive initial supplier matches within 24–72 hours.

FAQ

Common questions

What PDI is 'good enough'?