DEVELOPMENT OF A SEMI - AUTOMATED FISH FEED PELLETIZING MACHINE
The high cost of imported fish feed and processing machines is a significant challenge for small scale and medium scale fish farmers in Nigeria, hindering the growth of the aquaculture industry. The aim of this project is to develop a semi - automated fish feed pelletizing machine using locally sourced materials to produce high-quality fish feed at an affordable cost. The pelletizer consists of hopper, screw conveyor, barrel, die, drive system and heater. The machine was fabricated using locally sourced mild steel materials. A heater element was attached to the barrel surface so as to ensure cooking of resin pellet and easy drying at the same time. The cylindrical pellets size produced was in the range 4 - 10mm diameter suitable for fish and poultry. The total cost of the machine is ?130,800.00 and energy consumption of 2.98Kw-h. The developed machine is suitable for small-scale and medium-scale fish farmers, affordable and simple to maintain. It was recommended that there is need to further carry out the performance evaluation of the machine and explore the use of different feed ingredients.
Authors : Kadafa, K.M., Tashiwa, Y.I., Kabri, H.U. and Bwade, E.K.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 11(2) Date Uploaded : 21st January 2026