The nutritionists puts together a formula to meet the target animal requirements for growth, maintenance, reproduction and general health. It is therefore, very important that the ingredients beproportioned and mixed to obtain a homogeneous blend. Most of the ingredients in the feed formulation are in mash form and are added to the mixer according a to pre-set sequence that ensures a homogeneous blend. In order to ensure that the mixing is done properly, the major dry ingredients are added first, from largest to smallest. The last dry ingredients to be added are the minors-composed of the premixes, which are usually vitamins, minerals and other additives. After all dry ingredients are added and allowed to mix, the operator proceeds to add the liquid ingredients. Understandably, mixing is then one of the most critical steps in feed manufacturing process and, if not done correctly, it can have adverse effects on the nutritional and physical quality of the finished product or pellet. Improper mixing can also adversely affect the pelleting efficiency because of stoppages of the pellet mill. This can occur if excessive ingredients (in most cases, liquids) are added resulting in lumps

that can cause the die to plug up.