millSMART™ Surfactant Technology

Kemin Surfactant Technology – Improving Moisture Absorption and Retention in Feed

millSMART™ milling aids are formulated with Kemin Surfactant Technology to maximize absorption and retention of added moisture in all types of animal feeds.

The synergistic blend of surface-active agents in the millSMART™ milling aids instantly reduces the water surface tension. Upon contact with the feed particles, water with reduced surface tension can be more effectively absorbed and retained evenly in the feed particles (Figure 1).

Preconditioning Feed with millSMART™ Milling Aids

By preconditioning the feed with water mixed with millSMART™ milling aids more moisture can be retained and distributed evenly within the feed particles, improving starch gelatinization during conditioning. This improves feed digestibility and pellet durability, resulting in fewer fines and wastage.

As moisture is better and more evenly retained in the feed particles preconditioned with millSMART™ milling aids,​ moisture loss is minimized during the cooling phase of the pelleting process.

Preconditioning Feed with Water Alone

Preconditioning feed by adding water alone into the feed mixer is not effective. Water has a strong surface tension (~72 mN/m at room temperature), preventing it from effectively penetrating through the feed particles (Figure 2).

By preconditioning the feed with just water, moisture cannot effectively penetrate through the feed particles. This limits the moisture absorption and retention within the feed particles. Starch gelatinization is not optimal, resulting in lower feed digestibility and pellet durability.

With poor moisture retention in the feed particles, the feed is also more susceptible to losing moisture during the cooling process.

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