A palm kernel meal lot is only as good as its analysis. These are the typical figures, and what each one tells you.
Typical analysis
- Crude protein: 16 to 18%. Dehulled meal can reach about 21%.
- Crude fat: 6 to 8% for pressed cake, with 10% as the usual ceiling.
- Crude fibre: 17 to 20%, with 20% as the usual ceiling.
- Moisture: 10 to 12% at most.
- Ash: 5 to 6% at most.
- Total aflatoxin: below 20 ppb, with aflatoxin B1 not above 10 ppb.
- Free from mould, rancidity, caking, foreign matter and insects.
Commercial offers often ask for at least 14% protein and no more than 10% fat.
Why they matter
Moisture decides whether the load stays sound in transit and storage. Fat that is too high can turn rancid. Fibre and ash that are too high mean a less valuable meal. Aflatoxin protects the animals, above all dairy cows and young stock.
Before you accept a load
Ask for the analysis of the lot, check the smell and colour, look for lumps and heat, and keep a sealed sample of every delivery.
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