Feed Binders

Feed binders are non-pharmaceutical additives used to improve feed pellet quality, prevent ingredient segregation, and reduce dust, with no “therapeutic indications” like drugs. Their effectiveness is verified through physical property tests rather than clinical trials, and dosages vary by type and feed application.

Functional Uses

Feed binders do not treat animal diseases. Their key functions are to optimize feed physical properties and processing efficiency, including:

Preventing feed ingredient segregation during storage and transportation, ensuring each animal gets a balanced nutrient mix.

Reducing feed dust to improve workshop air quality and avoid respiratory irritation in animals and workers.

Enhancing pellet hardness, durability, and water stability (critical for aquatic feeds to prevent dissolution in water).

Reducing feed waste by preventing crumbling of pellets or mash feeds before consumption.

Efficacy Verification

Their performance is evaluated through physical and chemical tests, including:

Pellet Durability Index (PDI) Test: Measures the percentage of intact pellets after mechanical tumbling; effective binders typically maintain PDI above 90%.

Water Stability Test (for aquatic feeds): Assesses pellet integrity in water (e.g., 80%+ stability after 30–60 minutes for fish feeds).

Dust Content Test: Determines dust levels before/after adding binders, with targets to reduce dust by 30–50%.

Storage Stability Test: Checks for ingredient segregation over 1–3 months of storage under standard conditions.

Dosage

Dosages depend on the binder’s chemical nature, feed type (e.g., poultry, swine, aquatic), and desired physical properties. Common ranges (based on total feed weight) are: