This episode explores the long-standing challenge of balancing throughput and pellet quality in modern feed milling. The discussion highlights why the two often compete: higher throughput can strain equipment, reduce retention time, and limit the conditions needed for strong pellet integrity. The experts unpack how formulation choices, moisture management, grind size, and ingredient variability directly influence both production efficiency and pellet durability. They walk through each stage of the process—from conditioning to pelleting to cooling—identifying where the biggest quality and throughput gains are typically made and where small adjustments can create outsized results. A key theme is the importance of collaboration between nutritionists and mill operators to align formulation, equipment capabilities, and operational targets. Finally, the episode outlines practical troubleshooting steps when higher throughput begins to erode pellet quality, emphasizing moisture, die condition, retention time, and mechanical setup as the first areas to evaluate.

In this episode, Jose Ramirez explores how rendering transforms byproducts into valuable resources, making it one of the most effective examples of circular economy in agriculture. By converting animal byproducts into safe, usable proteins, fats, and oils, rendering prevents waste, lowers emissions, and reduces pressure on landfills and raw material demand, effectively closing the loop between food, feed, and fuel.

Nutritionally, rendered proteins deliver high digestibility, amino acid balance, and energy density compared to many alternative proteins, supporting both performance and sustainability in feed formulations.

The conversation also dives into biosecurity, emphasizing that effective rendering operations maintain strict pathogen control from collection through processing and transport, using validated thermal treatment, antimicrobial interventions, and hygienic handling to ensure safety and consistency.

Finally, the episode highlights emerging innovations in rendering technology, from automation and real-time monitoring to improved energy recovery systems and cleaner chemistry, all aimed at increasing efficiency, value, and product safety while strengthening rendering’s role in a sustainable global food chain.

In this episode, Dr. Francisco Domingues unpacks the wide-reaching impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) on the global pork industry. He discusses not only the direct economic losses but also the ripple effects, from market disruptions to trade restrictions, that often go overlooked. Dr. Domingues highlights the role of feed in ASF biosecurity, sharing what science tells us about virus survival in ingredients and finished feed. Listeners will gain practical insights into steps feed mills and producers can take to reduce risk, and how vets, nutritionists, and feed suppliers can collaborate to build stronger, more comprehensive feed biosecurity plans.