5-6T/H Cattle Feed Processing Equipment in India

The Customer's Background: A Local Mill With Big Plans

The customer in this story runs a cattle feed mill that primarily serves dairy cooperatives in Maharashtra's major milk-producing districts. For years, the mill relied on older flat die pellet machines bought second-hand. These machines often broke down, made irregular pellet sizes, and couldn't handle the higher fiber content of local roughage.

The owner knew the region's farmers were ready to pay slightly more for well-made pellet feed that combined local maize, rice bran, oilseed cake, and mineral mix — but they needed a more robust machine to deliver this quality at scale.

Why This Single Cattle Feed Processing Equipment Was Purchased

This wasn’t a full new cattle feed production line or an automated mega factory. The mill chose to invest in one high-efficiency ring die cattle feed pelletizer from RICHI to replace an unreliable old unit. The goal was clear: produce a more uniform, durable pellet with fewer fines and higher nutritional integrity, using local ingredients that sometimes vary in moisture or fiber content.

The upgraded cattle feed processing equipment in India was the only new machine added; their existing grinder and mixer were still serviceable. By improving the pelleting step alone, the mill aimed to boost daily output by at least 30% while reducing power waste and maintenance downtime.

Choosing the Right Model for India's Dairy Feed Needs

Given India's cattle feed market, the capacity had to match seasonal demand peaks during dry months when farmers depend more on compound feed. Working closely with RICHI’s local team, the mill selected the SZLH350 cattle feed pellet machine:

• Model: SZLH350
• Main Motor Power: 55 kW
• Feeder Motor: 1.5 kW
• Conditioner Motor: 4 kW
• Ring Die Diameter: 350 mm
• Output: 5–6 tons per hour

This capacity means the mill can produce up to 40 tons of quality pellet feed daily in two shifts — perfect for supplying village cooperatives and small commercial dairies.

Local Raw Materials: Practical, Cost-Effective Recipes

India's cattle feed formulas typically use abundant local grains and by-products. For this customer, the standard recipe combines:

• 40% maize (grown locally)
• 30% rice bran (abundant from nearby rice mills)
• 20% de-oiled groundnut cake or soybean meal
• 5% molasses for binding and palatability
• 5% mineral mix and vitamins for balanced nutrition

Compared to raw feed or loose mash, pelletized feed ensures these ingredients stay evenly mixed. The steam conditioner in the cattle feed processing equipment also helps kill pathogens and improves digestibility — a big selling point in India's humid climate, where mold and spoilage can be problems.

What This Equipment Produces: Dairy Feed That Works

The new ring die cattle feed pellet making machine mainly produces feed for lactating cows and dry cows. A small share is also used to make heifer grower pellets during the off-peak season.

By using a die with a carefully selected compression ratio, the pellets stay firm without becoming so hard that they damage teeth or discourage intake. Typical pellet diameter is 6 mm — the sweet spot for dairy cattle.

Unlike extruders for floating fish feed or pet food, this cattle feed processing equipment in India focuses purely on cattle and some simple ruminant feed. It does not process poultry feed or water-stable shrimp feed — the mill prefers to specialize.

How the New Cattle Feed Processing Equipment Changed Daily Operations

The mill's operators immediately noticed several practical improvements:

• Fewer stoppages: The new ring die system can handle the fibrous rice bran without clogging, unlike the old flat die press.
• Lower fines: The strong pressing force and better die design mean the pellets hold together well — less powder means less waste and higher farmer satisfaction.
• Better steam conditioning: The built-in conditioner uses steam more effectively, which helps gelatinize starch and improves digestibility — boosting milk yields in cows.
• Energy savings: Despite the higher capacity, the modern motor and efficient gear system reduce power consumption per ton.

Supporting Local Farmers With Better Feed

For the cooperative dairies this mill supplies, the real benefit is consistent nutrition. With uniform pellets, cows consume exactly the same nutrients every day — unlike mash feed that can settle and separate in bags.

This stability shows up in improved milk output, healthier body condition, and fewer fertility issues linked to mineral deficiencies.

Many small farmers now report an average milk yield increase of 0.5–1 liter per cow per day when switching to this balanced pellet feed — a big deal when scaled to herds of 10–50 animals.

RICHI's Role Beyond the Equipment

This cattle feed plant project wasn't just about selling a feed pellet machine. RICHI Machinery provided:

• Ingredient tests to optimize die compression for rice bran and groundnut cake
• Steam line layout guidance to ensure safe and efficient conditioning
• On-site commissioning support in India
• Training for local staff on maintenance and daily operation
• A spare parts package with extra die and rollers to cover wear parts

RICHI’s team in South Asia also helped the mill adjust operating parameters for monsoon season, when local raw materials have higher moisture content and require different conditioning.

One Machine, Flexible Options

While the mill's current focus is dairy feed, the SZLH350 cattle feed processing equipment in India gives them room to expand. In future dry seasons, they plan to test special beef cattle feed and feed for buffalo, which are common in this region.

The flexible ring die system makes it possible to switch recipes with only minor cleaning and adjustment. No expensive add-ons or full animal feed production line rebuilds needed.

India's Unique Opportunity in Modern Cattle Feed

India's dairy sector has huge growth potential, but only if small and mid-sized feed mills upgrade their technology. A modern cattle feed processing equipment setup — even as a single machine — allows local producers to compete with larger integrated plants while staying nimble and closer to farmers.

It's practical technology that helps rural areas earn more from every liter of milk produced.

Small Upgrade, Big Impact for Rural Dairy

This story shows that big improvements don’t always need big new factories. Sometimes, all it takes is replacing an outdated unit with a modern, efficient cattle feed pellet machine.

For this mill in Maharashtra, the change means:

• Higher output with the same labor
• Better pellet quality and fewer customer complaints
• Lower power bills
• Stronger relationships with local dairies and cooperatives

Why RICHI Machinery Was the Right Partner

RICHI Machinery didn’t just ship a cattle feed processing equipment. They worked closely with the mill to:

• Choose the right die for India’s raw material mix
• Set up steam lines for local conditions
• Train local technicians in Hindi and English
• Provide quick access to wear parts
• Offer honest advice about matching capacity to budget

RICHI’s approach proved that even mid-sized Indian mills can upgrade confidently, without feeling forced into a massive investment they can’t maintain.

Cattle Feed Processing Equipment in India: An Example to Follow

As more Indian farmers demand high-quality dairy feed, local mills can’t afford to stay stuck with outdated flat die machines or unbalanced mash feeds. A single cattle feed pellet machine, chosen smartly, can change a mill's reputation and bottom line.

RICHI Machinery's practical project approach — test local raw materials, train local teams, support local service — is what gives buyers the confidence to modernize.

Ready to Talk About Your Cattle Feed Plant?

If you run a feed mill or cooperative in India and want to upgrade your cattle feed production — whether for dairy cows, buffalo, or beef cattle — RICHI is ready to help you select the right cattle feed processing equipment, cattle feed pelletizer, or cattle feed press to fit your raw materials and budget.