DESIGN ANALYSIS OF AN AQUACULTURAL FEED PELLET MACHINE FOR RURAL DWELLERS
Nigerian aquacultural sector faces a critical technological constraint, inability of locally manufactured feed pellet machines to produce pellets larger than 9mm in diameter, a size insufficient for optimal feeding of bloodstock hybrid fish species. This study addresses this hole through the modified, constructed and performance evaluated custom-built feed pellet machine capable of producing 10mm to 12mm diameter for rural dwellers. It utilizes a flat-die pelleting principle powered by a 5.5 HP petrol engine, chosen for operational reliability in regions with unstable electricity, such as Borno State. The production employed locally sourced mild steel for the frame and stainless steel for the critical wear components (die and auger). It�s confirmed that the machine accomplished a production rate of 81.43 kg/h with an efficiency of 89.06%. The pellets produced exhibited satisfactory water stability for over 10 minutes, meeting the requirements for floated feeding through the appropriate ingredients. This work positively demonstrates a viable, cost-effective (?154,500) for the rural dwellers, and locally maintainable solution that enhances the specialized feed production capacity within the Nigerian aquacultural value chain.
Authors : Dagala, V.M. and Richard, A.K.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 11(2) Date Uploaded : 18th February 2026