When planning a fish feed production setup, many farm owners start with a simple calculation:How much feed is needed per day?Based on this number, they estimate the required machine capacity. This approach is logical — but in practice, it often tells only part of the story.

In many real projects, the capacity a client initially expects and the capacity finally recommended by the engineering team are not the same. This difference usually comes from how feed production actually happens on site, rather than from the feed demand itself.

Feed production is not just about switching on the pellet mill and letting it run continuously. A typical production cycle also includes:

• Raw material preparation, weighing, and batching
• Mixing before pelleting
• Machine start-up and preheating
• Cleaning and hygiene work after production

All of these steps take time. As a result, the effective production time per day is often much shorter than what is assumed during initial planning.

Another factor that is often underestimated is manpower. On many farms, labor is limited. Extending working hours means overtime costs, while running multiple shifts significantly increases staffing expenses. Weekends, holidays, and seasonal workloads further influence how production is scheduled.

Because of these constraints, equipment rarely operates at its theoretical maximum every day. This is one of the key reasons why a purely mathematical capacity calculation may not align with real operating conditions.

In practice, capacity is not only about meeting average demand. It also provides a buffer. A slightly higher capacity allows feed production to be completed within shorter time windows, reducing pressure when schedules are tight or when unexpected delays occur. For farm operations, this flexibility often proves more valuable than minimizing the machine size.

This is why the “right capacity” calculated by the client and the capacity finally suggested by the supplier can be different — both are reasonable, just based on different perspectives.

The most effective equipment selection is usually made when feed demand calculations are combined with an understanding of daily operation, labor availability, and production rhythm. Looking at the full picture from the beginning helps avoid constraints later and leads to smoother, more reliable feed production in the long run.