RICHI MACHINERY has successfully commissioned a 2-ton-per-hour rabbit feed production line in central France, addressing the growing demand for high-quality, nutritionally balanced feed in the European small livestock sector.

Market Background

Rabbit farming has become increasingly popular in France, both for meat production and as a companion animal industry. Despite this growth, many producers face challenges in obtaining uniform, balanced feed that supports optimal growth, reproductive performance, and digestive health.

The customer sought a turnkey solution capable of producing high-protein, high-fiber pelleted feed with low dust content suitable for both commercial and hobbyist farms.

Raw Material and Feed Formulation

The feed formula includes:

• Alfalfa meal for high fiber content
• Soybean meal and wheat for protein
• Corn and barley for energy
• Mineral and vitamin premixes

Rabbit feed requires careful particle size distribution to prevent digestive issues, while ensuring pellet hardness supports proper feed intake without producing excessive fines.

Process Design and Technical Features

RICHI engineers designed the production line to maintain optimal fiber structure while producing uniform pellets. Key technical highlights include:

• Water-drop hammer mill for controlled grinding
• Twin-shaft paddle mixer for homogeneous mixing
• Steam conditioning for starch gelatinization and pellet binding
• SZLH series pellet mill tailored for small livestock feed
• Counterflow cooling system
• Vibrating screener to remove fines
• Automated bagging and palletizing

Moisture content of the finished pellet is maintained at 10–12%, and pellet durability index exceeds 90%.

Installation and Commissioning

Equipment delivery was completed in December 2025, with installation and mechanical alignment finalized by early January 2026. Electrical integration and automation systems were tested, and trial production commenced mid-January. Operators received in-depth training covering formula adjustment, pellet mill maintenance, and quality control procedures.

Industry Impact and Benefits

The rabbit feed line enables local farms to produce standardized, high-quality feed on-site, reducing dependency on imported products and improving feed efficiency. The project also showcases RICHI’s expertise in small-animal feed production, extending the company’s market presence in the European pet and small livestock feed sector.