Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) Meal

Physical Description

Light to dark brown, dried granular material with a gritty texture. May be pelleted.

All Ravensdown PKE is screened before despatch to remove any over-sized product and potential foreign matter. It is also passed under two industrial magnets to remove any potential metallic contamination.

Uses

Most palm kernel imported into New Zealand is used on dairy farms, particularly in the North Island. It is used primarily as a supplement for milking cows to increase production or make up shortfalls in pasture.

Use of PKE for fattening beef cattle or as a supplement for beef cows when pasture in limiting is increasing.  

Feeding

Can be fed on its own as a supplement for ruminants, but palatability is increased when mixed with other ingredients.

Not normally fed to sheep due to its high copper content.

Can be fed through in-shed feeding systems, as a component of feed mixed in a mixer wagon, on a feed pad, or in paddock but wastage may be high when fed in paddock.

No risk of acidosis as starch content is low.

Maximum feeding rates (per meal) 

Storage & Handling

PKE must be kept dry during storage to prevent growth of moulds.

Source

SE Asia, principally Malaysia.  The African oil palm tree (imported into Malaysia) produces 40-50 kg clusters of fruit, which are crushed to expel the oil which is used as cooking oil or to make soap. The resultant solid material is dried and ground and used as animal feed.

Typical nutrient analysis (Dry Matter basis)

90% DM                65.0% NDF        0.35% Calcium
11.0MJ ME/kg       46.0% NDF        0.68% Phosphorus
17.5% Protein       2.0% Starch       0.35% Magnesium
8.0% Oil                0% Sugar           0.02% Sodium

Added benefits

PKE is a great filler feed when pasture is short. We offer the option of PKE blended with grain which is better for your cows and gives increased returns.

Ravensdown can now mix various additives to PKE including:

• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Sodium
• Trace elements
• Rumensin
• Zinc for facial eczema control

For details on additives please contact the Customer Centre

For Further Information:

Click here for the PKE technical note

Animal Health and Nutrition Brochure