United Kingdom 100-150KG/H Small Floating Fish Feed Production Line Project

Why Produce Feed Locally? Addressing Unique UK Farming Challenges

Fish farming in the UK, from trout to carp and ornamental species, must meet stringent regulatory standards related to fish welfare, environmental impact, and feed safety. Relying entirely on commercial feed sources can expose farmers to volatile global commodity prices and supply chain delays, especially during periods of increased demand or global disruptions.

By investing in a small, customized floating fish feed production line in UK, the farmer gained direct control over feed quality, raw material selection, and formulation. This project also aligns with the UK’s broader push for local supply chains and sustainability, reducing carbon emissions associated with transporting imported feed.

Local Raw Materials: An Optimized, Practical Feed Formula

One of the main advantages of producing fish feed locally is the flexibility to adjust recipes using raw materials available within the UK and nearby EU markets. For this project, the farmer developed a nutritionally balanced formula that uses regionally sourced, cost-effective ingredients while maintaining high protein levels required for healthy fish growth.

The typical ingredients include:

• Wheat and barley meal: Abundant in the UK, providing carbohydrates for energy and acting as binding agents.
• Fishmeal: Essential for delivering high-quality, easily digestible protein. Sourced from local fish processing by-products whenever possible to promote circular resource use.
• Soybean meal: Imported or regionally sourced protein source that complements fishmeal.
• Rapeseed oil or fish oil: Commonly used in UK feed formulations for essential fatty acids that promote healthy fish development.
• Premixes of vitamins and minerals: Ensuring balanced nutrition and meeting all health requirements.

A representative mix might look like this:

• Wheat/barley meal: 40%
• Fishmeal: 25%
• Soybean meal: 25%
• Oil and premixes: 10%

This formulation not only optimizes nutrition but also demonstrates the feasibility of leveraging locally grown crops, helping to reduce the carbon footprint associated with feed production.

A Smart, Compact Production Process: From Grain to Pellet

The 100-150kg/h floating fish feed production line in UK installed at the farm was carefully designed to balance functionality, budget, and ease of use. Unlike larger industrial facilities, this compact line is straightforward to operate and maintain, requires minimal labor (just one operator), and fits neatly into a modest workspace measuring only 4m x 3.5m x 4m.

The production process is divided into three primary stages:

1. Grinding Section The process begins with the fish feed grinding machine, which transforms raw materials like grains and meal into fine powder. The size of the particles is critical, directly affecting the extrusion process’s success and ensuring that the final pellets are uniform in size and buoyancy.
2. Pelletizing Section Next, the powdered feed mix is transferred to the dry type fish feed extruder machine. This is the heart of the system, where the mix undergoes high temperature and pressure to form floating pellets of precise dimensions — in this project, the customer requested pellet sizes of 2mm, 3mm, and 4mm to match the feeding needs of different fish age groups.
3. Drying Section After pelletizing, the fish feed pellets enter the fish feed dryer machine. This step reduces the moisture content, ensuring the pellets are durable, less prone to spoilage, and easy to store. With moisture properly controlled, the pellets maintain their floating properties for longer, minimizing waste in ponds.

Unlike some larger plants, this UK system does not include a packaging unit because all feed produced is consumed directly on-site. This decision simplifies operations, reduces costs, and ensures that freshly made feed is always available for immediate feeding.

Complete Equipment Configuration: Precision for Small-Scale Success

Below is the detailed equipment list for this UK floating fish feed plant:

In line with the UK's standard electrical system, all machines were configured for 400 V, 50 HZ, 3-phase power. The simplicity of the configuration allows the entire plant to be managed by a single operator, keeping operational costs low.

Project Timeline and Budget: From Consultation to Commissioning

This floating fish feed production line in UK project was planned and delivered on a remarkably tight schedule and budget. Ordered and finalized on October 30th, 2019, it took just three days to install and commission the complete feed production line, thanks to the compact design and RICHI’s comprehensive on-site support.

The guiding investment for this system was between USD 17,000, making it an attractive option for small- to medium-sized fish farmers looking to gain control over feed production without committing to an industrial-scale investment.

End Products and Usage: Self-Sufficiency Over Sales

The final product — floating fish feed pellets in three sizes (2mm, 3mm, and 4mm) — is used exclusively for the farm’s own fish stock. This ensures maximum freshness, full control over feed composition, and no dependence on third-party suppliers.

Beyond feeding the farmer's fish, this project sets a benchmark for other small-scale UK aquaculture operations looking to replicate the model. By producing feed on-site, farmers can quickly adapt formulations as their stock grows or changes species, improving feed conversion ratios and minimizing waste.

The UK's Aquafeed Future: Small Lines, Big Impact

The United Kingdom's aquaculture industry is experiencing steady growth, supported by consumers' rising demand for healthy, locally produced fish. However, as the industry grows, sustainability, cost control, and supply chain reliability remain challenges, especially for smaller, independent farms.

Compact feed production lines like this one offer a practical solution. They empower farmers to make the most of locally available grains and protein sources, reduce reliance on imported or industrially processed feed, and create new opportunities for value-added farming practices.

In a country where sustainability and carbon reduction targets are shaping agricultural policy, small, efficient feed mills like this align perfectly with national objectives. Farmers can also explore adding value by using excess capacity to supply feed to neighboring farms in the future, diversifying their income streams.

Setting the Standard: How RICHI Supports the UK's Aquaculture Ambitions

For this floating fish feed production line in UK project, RICHI’s role extended beyond providing floating fish feed machines. From initial consultation to voltage customization (400 V, 50 HZ, 3-phase) and on-site training, RICHI ensured that every detail matched the farm’s practical realities. Installation was completed smoothly within just three days, minimizing downtime and allowing the farmer to start reaping benefits immediately.

This project also demonstrates RICHI's commitment to helping customers scale sustainably. Should the farmer wish to expand production in the future — for example, to sell surplus feed to local hobby fish keepers or small farms — the line can be easily upgraded with additional features like a packing system or a more advanced formulation module.

A Smart, Replicable Model for UK Fish Farmers

This 100-150KG/H floating fish feed production line in UK represents more than just a piece of equipment; it is a strategic investment in farm autonomy, operational resilience, and sustainability. For fish farmers in the UK — whether producing carp, trout, ornamental fish, or even pet feed — compact, high-efficiency feed lines like this provide a competitive edge in an increasingly demanding market.

With energy-efficient design, a footprint that fits in existing farm buildings, and the flexibility to produce multiple pellet sizes using local raw materials, this project is a model for the next generation of UK aquaculture.

Thinking about producing your own high-quality feed? RICHI Machinery's proven solutions make it simple and affordable to take control of your feed supply, boost profits, and secure your farm’s future.