1-1.5T/H Calf Feed Equipment in Uruguay

The customer in this case is a family-run feed mill that has served local ranchers for over two decades, mostly selling general-purpose cattle feed and bulk grain blends. In the past few years, they noticed more ranchers asking for higher-quality calf starter pellets that go beyond simple cracked corn or unprocessed oats.

One reason is that local beef breeders are focusing more on genetics and early nutrition to meet premium beef standards for export markets. Well-balanced starter feed pellets help calves develop strong rumens, reach target weights sooner, and face fewer health problems when pasture alone can’t cover all nutritional gaps.

Seeing this trend, the mill decided not to buy a whole new cattle feed production line but instead replace an old, inefficient small animal feed granulator with a new, dedicated calf feed equipment unit — a single ring die cattle feed pellet making machine from RICHI — that could run their custom starter recipes more consistently.

Choosing the Right Calf Feed Equipment Model for Uruguay

RICHI's technical team worked with the mill's owner to pick the right capacity for local calf starter feed demand. Since the client serves about 30 nearby ranches, all medium-sized operations, they don’t need massive output but do want enough capacity for seasonal peaks.

Together, they selected the SZLH250 calf feed granulator, which fits their budget and production goals.

• Selected Model: SZLH250
• Main Motor Power: 22 kW
• Feeder Motor: 1.1 kW
• Conditioner Motor: 1.5 kW
• Ring Die Inner Diameter: 250 mm
• Finished Pellet Diameter: 4–6 mm (ideal size for young calves)
• Output Capacity: 1.0–1.5 tons/hour

This calf feed equipment in Uruguay means the mill can produce about 10–12 tons of calf starter pellets per day in a single shift, covering regular orders while leaving space for on-demand batches.

Local Raw Materials: Balancing Cost and Nutrition for Uruguayan Calves

Uruguay’s strong grain sector and mild climate make it easy to source high-quality feed ingredients. For this calf starter, the mill uses:

• 50% cracked corn — locally grown and often processed on-farm.
• 30% soybean meal — mostly domestic production.
• 15% wheat bran — a common by-product from regional flour mills.
• 5% mineral-vitamin premix — tailored for calves’ rumen development.

This recipe provides enough energy and digestible protein for fast calf growth during the crucial first months. Since young calves need easily digestible pellets, the right compression ratio in the calf feed equipment is key. Too hard, and the pellets reduce intake; too soft, and they break apart during transport.

How This Calf Feed Equipment Fits into the Mill’s Daily Work

Before upgrading to the RICHI SZLH250 calf feed equipment in Uruguay, the mill used a small, outdated flat die press originally designed for poultry feed. It struggled to produce uniform pellets for calf starter — the fiber from wheat bran and the fine soybean meal clogged the die frequently.

The new ring die design solves this problem. Its robust feeder and steam conditioner mean the mill can adjust moisture and temperature for perfect binding, even with relatively soft, high-energy calf feed. The feeder's speed control helps maintain a steady flow of the fine meal mix, preventing blockages.

What This Single Machine Upgrade Means for Ranchers

Better calf starter feed isn't just about nice-looking pellets. For Uruguay's breeders and feeders, it means:

• Higher feed efficiency: Uniform, palatable pellets encourage calves to eat more and grow faster.
• Healthier rumen development: Well-pelleted starter feed reduces scours and weaning stress.
• Consistent performance: Ranchers know exactly what nutrients they’re getting — no surprises from raw grain variability.

By producing this specialized calf feed locally, the mill helps ranchers avoid costly imported feeds and offers flexible bag sizes, from 25kg to bulk bags.

One Granulator, Many Future Options

While this unit is purchased specifically for calf starter pellets, the mill plans to run other special batches during downtime. For example, they might produce creep feed for lambs or finishing feed for young heifers.

However, it won’t be used for floating fish feed or pet food, as those require an extruder. Instead, this ring die calf feed equipment in Uruguay focuses on ruminant starter and growth formulas — its robust design makes it easy to switch between recipes with only minor cleaning and die changes.

Practical Gains for the Feed Mill

Adding this modern calf feed equipment brings the mill practical, day-to-day advantages:

• Energy savings: More efficient power use means lower production costs per ton.
• Less downtime: The reliable die and robust feeder handle the fine-grain mix without jams.
• Cleaner output: Less dust, more durable pellets, fewer fines.
• Better brand reputation: Local ranchers trust mills that invest in consistent feed quality.

How RICHI Helped This Project Succeed

RICHI didn’t just sell the mill a machine and walk away. The full support package included:

• Local ingredient tests: The mill sent samples of local corn and soybean meal to RICHI's plant to test compression ratios.
• Steam conditioning advice: RICHI engineers shared recommendations for adding the right moisture to protect delicate calf pellets.
• Operator training: RICHI's Spanish-speaking technician guided the mill's team on startup, troubleshooting, and daily maintenance.
• After-sales support: A kit of critical spares — die, roller shells, bearings — was included so the mill could handle minor wear parts themselves.

Uruguay's Opportunity in Calf Nutrition

Uruguay's cattle sector has a solid reputation in beef genetics, with more breeders using advanced AI and breeding stock from top herds. But genetics alone can't produce top-grade calves — nutrition matters just as much.

Dedicated starter feed production is relatively new for smaller mills, but demand is clear. More ranchers want predictable calf growth that cuts weaning losses and supports pasture transitions. Pelletized starter feed does exactly that — and the payback is visible in healthier weaned calves that hit market weights on schedule.

Why the SZLH250 Calf Feed Equipment Was the Right Choice

The mill didn't need a huge industrial pellet press. The SZLH250 calf feed equipment in Uruguay is robust but compact, ideal for running specialty feed alongside general-purpose cattle feed.

Unlike older flat die units, this modern ring die press handles higher oil ingredients and light fiber easily, with adjustable compression. It's designed to run long shifts with low wear on parts — perfect for mills that want reliable performance without expensive downtime.

What This Means for Uruguay's Smaller Feed Mills

This calf feed equipment in Uruguay project shows that smaller feed mills don’t need to spend a fortune on a full new line. Sometimes, one smart upgrade — a single modern calf feed pelletizer — can transform product quality and expand their customer base.

It's an investment that fits the scale of local ranchers, supports homegrown feed instead of imports, and keeps value added within the region.

Building Trust With Local Ranchers

Uruguayan ranchers value relationships. They stick with suppliers who deliver consistent feed and stand by their word. By adding dedicated calf starter pellets to their range, this mill strengthens its bond with long-time customers and attracts new breeders who want that next level of support.

Better feed, healthier calves, loyal ranchers — it's a win-win for the whole chain.

RICHI's Role: More Than Just Calf Feed Equipment

RICHI Machinery understands that Latin America's feed mills don't just need machines. They need trustworthy partners who help them grow at a practical pace.

For this small cattle animal feed factory project, RICHI provided:

• A model matched to the client’s exact capacity.
• Ingredient-specific die design for local grains and bran.
• On-call technical help in Spanish.
• Clear, easy manuals and video guides.
• Practical parts backup to avoid shipping delays.

Looking Ahead: Flexible Growth

The mill already sees future potential to add a small horizontal mixer or a simple batch cooler to handle larger orders for calf feed during peak calving season. They might even add a second SZLH250 pellet machine for animal feed or step up to an SZLH320 if customer demand grows.

That's the beauty of modular feed production — you grow step by step, without wasting good equipment.

Calf Feed Equipment in Uruguay: The Smart Step for Stronger Herds

In Uruguay, the best cattle come from careful breeding, good pasture, and smart feed. Modern calf feed equipment helps ranchers set their calves up for success from the first weeks.

Better pellets mean fewer setbacks, better weight gains, and healthier herds for beef or milk.

If you run a mill or manage a ranch and want to upgrade your calf feed, RICHI is ready to help. Whether it’s a single calf feed granulator, a custom die, or advice on starter recipes, we know how to make your investment pay off in better feed and stronger livestock.

Ready to Talk About Your Calf Feed Project?

RICHI Machinery has supported feed producers from South America to Asia, helping mills big and small modernize in ways that fit their budgets and local realities.

If you’re planning to expand your product line with high-quality calf starter pellets — or any specialized ruminant feed — let’s talk about the right calf feed equipment in Uruguay for your needs.