1-1.5T/H Cassava Feed Pellet Machine in Vietnam

From the pellet mill table, the SZLH250 cassava feed pellet machine (22kW) was selected. Why this model?

• Capacity: 1.0-1.5 tons/hour – matches their starter feed volume (150 tons/month, 6 hours/day)
• Power: 22kW – fits their existing electrical supply
• Ring die size: 250mm diameter – 2.5mm die for piglet starter feed
• Conditioner: 1.5kW – essential for cassava starch gelatinization
• Small die capability: Can produce 2.5mm pellets consistently

The feed mill manager chose the SZLH250 with a 2.5mm die for piglet starter feed.

What He's Processing – Cassava-Based Piglet Starter Feed

Vietnam is a major cassava producer. The feed mill uses:

• Cassava root meal (local): 45-55% – energy source (dried, milled to 2-3mm)
• Soybean meal (imported): 20-25% – protein
• Fish meal (local): 5-8% – high-quality protein for piglets
• Rice bran (local – Vietnam is a major rice producer): 10-15% – fiber and energy
• Milk powder (imported): 3-5% – palatability and digestibility
• Minerals, vitamins, organic acids: 3-5%

Piglet starter feed requirements:

• Pellet diameter: 2.5mm (small for weaned piglets, 3-10 weeks, 7-20kg)
• Protein: 20-22% (high for growth)
• Digestibility: >85% (cassava starch gelatinization critical)
• Pellet durability: >90% PDI (minimize fines)

Cassava processing:

1. Fresh cassava roots are harvested, peeled, washed, and chipped
2. Chips are sun-dried or mechanically dried to 12-14% moisture
3. Dried chips are hammer-milled to cassava meal (2-3mm particle size)

Installation – Small Pellet Production

The SZLH250 arrived at the Port of Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai Port) – Vietnam's largest port.

Shipping time from Qingdao to Ho Chi Minh City is about 7-10 days. The machine was packed in a 20-foot container with:

• SZLH250 feed pellet machine main unit (22kW motor)
• Feeder (1.1kW) and conditioner (1.5kW)
• Ring die (2.5mm for piglet starter – included)
• Spare roller shells (one set)
• Installation manual and electrical diagram in Vietnamese

Customs clearance in Ho Chi Minh City took about 3 days. Total landed cost was about 18% higher than the FOB price.

Installation took two weeks. The feed mill had an existing concrete floor – they poured a 150mm pad for the machine. The electrical hookup required 380V, 50Hz three-phase (Vietnamese standard). The 22kW motor required a 60-amp breaker.

The first test run was with cassava-based piglet starter formula (2.5mm die). The conditioner added steam to reach 75°C, 17% moisture. The pellet mill ran smoothly at 1.1 tons/hour. Pellet durability (PDI) was 91% – acceptable for starter feed. The 2.5mm pellets were uniform.

Performance – Small Pellets, Better Piglet Growth

After six months of operation, the feed mill manager documented the following results:

Before (buying commercial piglet starter feed):

• Commercial feed cost: 15,000 VND/kg (€0.58/kg)
• Monthly cost (150 tons): 2,250,000,000 VND (€87,000)
• Pellet size: 3mm (sometimes too large for small piglets)
• Piglet weaning diarrhea: 8-10% incidence

After (in-house cassava-based starter feed with SZLH250):

• Cassava cost: 3,000 VND/kg (€0.12/kg) – 80% cheaper than corn
• Other ingredients: 7,000 VND/kg (€0.27/kg)
• Processing cost: 500 VND/kg (€0.02/kg)
• Total in-house cost: 10,500 VND/kg (€0.41/kg)
• Monthly cost (150 tons): 1,575,000,000 VND (€61,000)
• Monthly savings: 675,000,000 VND (€26,000)

Production output:

• Capacity: 1.1 tons/hour
• Daily output (6 hours): 6.6 tons
• Monthly output (22 days): 145 tons (sufficient for their needs)

Quality improvements:

• Pellet size: 2.5mm (perfect for weaned piglets)
• Pellet durability: 91% PDI (acceptable)
• Piglet weaning diarrhea: Reduced from 8-10% to 4-5%
• Daily gain: Improved by 8%

Customer Feedback – The Feed Mill Manager's Experience

Here's what the feed mill manager said after six months (paraphrased from a conversation, translated from Vietnamese):

"Piglet starter feed needs small pellets – 2.5mm. Our old machine couldn't do it. The pellets were inconsistent. Some were 3mm, some were 2mm.

The SZLH250 with the 2.5mm die makes perfect pellets every time. The conditioner at 75°C gelatinizes the cassava starch. The pellets hold together well. No fines.

Our piglet customers have noticed the difference. Less diarrhea. Better growth. They're buying more from us.

Would I recommend this machine? Yes. For any pig feed mill producing starter feed, the SZLH250 with a 2.5mm die is perfect."

Why Small Pellets for Piglet Starter Feed

Weaned piglets (3-10 weeks, 7-20kg) have small mouths and immature digestive systems:

• 2.5mm pellets: Optimal for weaned piglets
• 3mm pellets: Acceptable but some piglets struggle
• 4mm pellets: Too large – piglets may refuse feed

The SZLH250 cassava feed pellet machine with a 2.5mm die produces the ideal size for starter feed.

The Conditioner – Key for Cassava Starch Digestibility

The SZLH250 cassava pig feed pellet machine's 1.5kW conditioner adds steam before pelleting:

• Target temperature: 75-80°C (for starch gelatinization)
• Target moisture: 16-17%
• Starch gelatinization: 80-90% (critical for piglet digestibility)

Gelatinized cassava starch is highly digestible (85-90%) vs raw cassava starch (50-60%).

Ring Die Selection – 2.5mm for Piglet Starter

For piglet starter feed, 2.5mm pellets are optimal:

• 2.0mm: Too small – may create dust
• 2.5mm: Ideal for weaned piglets (7-20kg)
• 3.0mm: Acceptable for larger piglets (15-20kg)

Compression ratio: 1:10 (25mm die thickness for 2.5mm holes)

Cassava vs Corn – Digestibility Comparison

Cassava starch actually becomes more digestible than corn when properly gelatinized.

Piglet Health – Reduced Diarrhea

The feed mill tracked piglet health on farms using their cassava-based starter feed:

• Before (commercial feed, 3mm pellets): 8-10% weaning diarrhea incidence
• After (cassava-based feed, 2.5mm pellets): 4-5% weaning diarrhea incidence

Better pellet size (2.5mm) and better digestibility (gelatinized cassava starch) contributed to the improvement.

Feed Intake – Small Pellets Matter

Piglets eat more when pellets are the right size:

• 2.5mm pellets: Piglets consume 250-300g/day
• 3.5mm pellets: Piglets consume 200-250g/day

The 2.5mm pellets increased feed intake by 15-20% in the first week post-weaning.

Shipping – Qingdao to Ho Chi Minh City

The SZLH250 cassava feed pellet machine shipped from Qingdao to Port of Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai Port), Vietnam.

Shipping time from Qingdao to Ho Chi Minh City is about 7-10 days. The route goes through the South China Sea.

The machine was packed in a 20-foot container. Customs clearance in Ho Chi Minh City took about 3 days. Total landed cost was about 18% higher than the FOB price.

The truck transport from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Nai was about 50km – roughly 1.5 hours.

What the Feed Mill Manager Learned – Lessons for Other Pig Feed Mills

After six months of running the SZLH250, the feed mill manager shared several observations:

• Lesson 1: Use 2.5mm die for piglet starter feed (7-20kg pigs). 3mm is acceptable but 2.5mm is better.
• Lesson 2: Condition cassava at 75-80°C for starch gelatinization. Raw cassava starch is poorly digested by piglets.
• Lesson 3: Cassava starch is more digestible than corn when gelatinized. Don't be afraid to use cassava in starter feed.
• Lesson 4: Test pellet durability regularly. Starter feed needs >90% PDI to minimize fines.
• Lesson 5: Small pellets improve feed intake. Piglets eat more when pellets are the right size.

What RICHI Provided Beyond the Machine

RICHI provided several services that helped the feed mill manager get the SZLH250 operational:

• Vietnamese documentation: The manual and electrical diagram were provided in Vietnamese.
• Small-die guidance: RICHI provided recommendations for 2.5mm die operation (finer grinding, precise moisture control).
• Conditioning guidance: RICHI provided temperature recommendations for cassava-based piglet feed (75-80°C).
• Die selection guidance: RICHI recommended 2.5mm for piglet starter (7-20kg).
• Spare parts kit: RICHI recommended a spare parts kit – roller shells, die, bearings.
• Remote support: When the feed mill manager had questions about the 2.5mm die, a RICHI technician walked him through it via video call.

Is a Cassava Feed Pellet Machine Right for Your Operation?

For a pig feed mill producing starter feed for weaned piglets, a pellet mill with a 2.5mm die is essential.

Consider the SZLH250 if:

• Your capacity requirement is 1.0-1.5 tons/hour
• You produce starter feed for piglets (7-20kg)
• You have access to cassava (grown locally or sourced)
• Small pellet size (2.5mm) is a priority

Consider a larger model (SZLH320) if:

• Your capacity requirement is 3-4 tons/hour

For the Vietnamese feed mill, the SZLH250 was the right investment. It produced 2.5mm starter pellets, reduced feed costs by 30%, improved piglet health, and paid for itself in one month.

Final Thoughts

If you're a pig feed mill in a cassava-producing region, don't be afraid to use cassava in starter feed. Gelatinized cassava starch is highly digestible – even more than corn. The key is proper conditioning (75-80°C) and the right pellet size (2.5mm for weaned piglets).

The SZLH250 cassava feed pellet machine produces 1.1 tons per hour of 2.5mm starter pellets. The conditioner gelatinizes cassava starch for optimal digestibility. The result is high-quality, low-cost starter feed that piglets thrive on.

For pig feed mills, the math is simple: use cassava + proper conditioning + small pellets = lower costs + healthier piglets = higher profits.

RICHI offers documentation in Vietnamese, small-die guidance, conditioning advice, and remote support. Contact RICHI Machinery through the website with your piglet volume, cassava availability, and capacity for a recommendation. Tell them about your piglet feed operation – they can help you select the right cassava feed pellet machine to produce optimal 2.5mm starter pellets.