Does the moisture content of the raw materials in a prawn feed making machine affect the hardness of prawn shells?

Nov 18, 2025

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1. The Importance of Moisture Content: The Core of Calcium Absorption and Soaking Resistance: Shrimp growth depends entirely on calcium. Shell powder and calcium powder in the feed must be tightly bound to other ingredients to be absorbed by the shrimp. If the moisture content is too low, the ingredients cannot fully expand in the feed extruder, causing the calcium powder to fall out of the pellets, rendering the feed ineffective and leaving the shrimp with soft shells. If the moisture content is too high, the feed becomes mushy and sinks quickly in the shrimp pond, dissolving the calcium powder completely in the water. This is not only wasteful but also hardens the water, hindering shrimp growth. Only with the right moisture content can the calcium powder be firmly locked in the feed, resulting in hardened shells, thicker meat, and a higher survival rate.

2. Optimal Moisture Range for Different Ingredients: Adapting to High-Calcium Characteristics: Shrimp feeds often contain high-calcium ingredients, requiring more specific moisture levels. Calcium-rich feed ingredients like shell powder and stone powder are inherently dry, with a moisture content controlled at 5%-8% to prevent moisture absorption and clumping. Protein feed ingredients (fish meal, shrimp bran) should have a moisture content of 8%-10% to ensure freshness and prevent mold growth. Grain feed ingredients (corn, soybean meal) should have a moisture content of 12%-14% to provide basic energy. The moisture content of the mixed feed ingredients should be consistently maintained at 14%-16%. This range allows the calcium powder, grains, and proteins to bind thoroughly, resulting in compact feed pellets that don't disintegrate even after soaking in water for 3 hours, preventing calcium loss and ensuring shrimp receive sufficient calcium.

3. Moisture Measurement and Control: High-calcium feed ingredients require stable control. A halogen moisture meter is used for precise measurement of mineral-containing feed ingredients; placing the feed in the meter yields accurate results within 2 minutes. During control, calcium feed ingredients should be stored separately from moist protein and grain feeds to prevent moisture absorption. When mixing the feed ingredients, first mix the dry calcium powder and grain powder evenly, then slowly add an appropriate amount of water while stirring to ensure even moisture distribution. When testing, put the feed pellets in water, take them out after 3 hours, and if they can't be crushed by hand and no calcium powder falls off, the moisture content is just right. If it's too dry, spray a small amount of warm water; if it's too wet, add a small amount of dry soybean meal powder to adjust.

How do you determine if raw materials are qualified after crushing?