Standardized method for the Holmen pellet tester (NHP100) as a tool for evaluating the physical quality of fish feed

Abstract

The fish feed production industry requires reliable methods measuring the physical quality of feed before it is being released to the customer. The Holmen pellet tester (NHP 100) could be adapted for this purpose, but the special characteristics of fish feed require particular care during testing. The aim of the study was to determine the standardized conditions for using the Holmen tester as a tool measuring the durability of fish feed. Screening tests were performed on commercial fish feed samples to assess the effects of temperature, pressure and cleaning the instrument between runs. The operating pressure was found to be the most important factor that can influence the results. The temperature of the operating air can also alter the results; increased temperatures can cause oil to melt and leak from the pellets. Cleaning the instrument between analyses can also affect the results. This study shows that when these factors are maintained at a standardized level, the Holmen pellet tester is a valuable tool for assessing the physical quality of fish feed giving additional information on the quality of feed pellets compared to other durability tests like DORIS.