Pelletizing is a form of feed processing used to improve digestibility by reducing particle size and thereby increasing the surface area of the feed ingredients exposed to digestive enzymes. It involves grinding the raw materials, principally grains followed by mixing with other components then introducing steam at high pressure and temperature to render the mix fluid so it can be forced through an aperture in a rotating drum to form the pellets. Moisture rapidly evaporates due to the high temperatures reached and the resulting pellet has a moisture content of around 10%-11% and is palatable to horses. Ground materials breaking off from the body of the pellets are called fines and usually account for no more than 2%-4% of the total weight.
