The animal feed industry in Iraq has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for poultry, livestock, and aquaculture products. One critical aspect of feed production is the inclusion of mineral additives that provide essential nutrients for animal health and development. Marble, primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), serves as an excellent calcium supplement in animal feed formulations. When processed to the appropriate fineness, specifically 325 mesh (approximately 45 microns), marble powder becomes highly bioavailable and easily digestible for animals.
The grinding process transforms raw marble into a fine powder that can be uniformly mixed with other feed ingredients, ensuring consistent nutrient distribution throughout the feed. This article explores the technical requirements for marble grinding in animal feed applications and introduces suitable grinding solutions from Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of industrial grinding equipment.

Producing marble powder for animal feed additives requires careful consideration of several technical parameters to ensure optimal animal nutrition and feed production efficiency.
The 325 mesh specification (approximately 45 microns) represents an ideal particle size for calcium carbonate in animal feed. At this fineness, the powder offers several advantages:
Iraq’s growing animal feed industry requires grinding equipment capable of processing substantial quantities of marble to meet regional demands. Medium to large-scale feed mills typically require production capacities ranging from 5 to 25 tons per hour, depending on their market coverage and product diversification.
With energy costs representing a significant portion of operational expenses, Iraqi feed producers prioritize grinding equipment that offers high efficiency with minimal power consumption. Advanced grinding technologies can reduce energy usage by 20-40% compared to conventional mills while maintaining consistent product quality.
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. has established itself as an excellent manufacturer of ore grinding equipment, with significant achievements in the field of ultra-fine powder grinding. The company specializes in the research, development, and production of industrial powder grinding equipment, offering multiple solutions suitable for processing marble to 325 mesh fineness for animal feed applications.
For Iraqi feed producers seeking a balance between production capacity, energy efficiency, and product quality, the MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill represents an optimal solution. This grinding mill incorporates multiple patents and features a compact structure, long service life, and eco-friendly design.
| Model | Max. Feed Size (mm) | Final Size (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Main Motor (kW) | Fan Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTW110 | <30 | 1.6-0.045 | 3-9 | 55 | 55 |
| MTW138Z | <35 | 1.6-0.045 | 6-17 | 90 | 110 |
| MTW175G | <40 | 1.6-0.045 | 9.5-25 | 160 | 200 |
| MTW215G | <50 | 1.6-0.045 | 15-45 | 280 | 315 |
The MTW series offers several advantages for marble grinding in feed applications:

For operations requiring superior product quality with precise particle size distribution, the XZM Ultrafine Grinding Mill provides exceptional performance. This mill is specifically designed for superfine powder production and can achieve fineness levels from 325 to 2500 mesh, making it ideal for specialized feed additive applications.
| Model | Working Diameter (mm) | Max Feed Size (mm) | Final Size (mesh) | Output (kg/h) | Main Motor Power (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XZM221 | Φ800 | ≤20 | 325-2500 | 500-4500 | 75 |
| XZM268 | Φ1680 | ≤20 | 325-2500 | 5000-25000 | 315 |
The XZM series offers distinct advantages for premium feed additive production:
The Iraqi animal feed industry presents unique opportunities and challenges for marble processing operations. Several factors specific to the region must be considered when selecting and operating grinding equipment.
Iraqi marble deposits vary in hardness, purity, and moisture content, requiring grinding equipment with sufficient versatility to handle these variations. The MTW and XZM mills from Zenith offer adjustable grinding parameters to accommodate different marble qualities while maintaining consistent output fineness.
Iraq’s arid climate and high temperatures present operational challenges that Zenith grinding mills are engineered to overcome. Special cooling systems and heat-resistant components ensure reliable performance even during extreme summer conditions.
Shanghai Zenith provides comprehensive support services for Iraqi customers, including installation supervision, operator training, and readily available spare parts through local distributors. This support network ensures minimal downtime and optimal equipment performance.

Investing in appropriate grinding technology for marble processing delivers significant economic benefits for Iraqi feed producers. The superior efficiency of Zenith grinding equipment translates to tangible financial advantages.
The energy-efficient design of both MTW and XZM mills reduces power consumption by 25-40% compared to conventional grinding systems. For a typical Iraqi feed plant operating 20 hours per day, this can represent annual savings of $15,000-$35,000 depending on local electricity rates.
Consistently achieving the 325 mesh specification enables feed producers to command premium pricing for their calcium carbonate additives. The precise particle size distribution improves animal nutrient absorption, leading to better feed conversion ratios that are highly valued by livestock producers.
The robust construction and wear-resistant components of Zenith grinding mills extend maintenance intervals and reduce replacement part costs. Advanced monitoring systems help prevent unexpected breakdowns, ensuring continuous production for critical feed supply chains.
The production of high-quality marble powder for animal feed additives represents a significant opportunity for Iraqi mineral processors and feed producers. Achieving the optimal 325 mesh fineness requires advanced grinding technology that balances production capacity, energy efficiency, and product quality.
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. offers tailored solutions through their MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill and XZM Ultrafine Grinding Mill, both capable of meeting the specific requirements of the Iraqi market. With comprehensive technical support and proven reliability under challenging operating conditions, Zenith equipment provides Iraqi businesses with a competitive advantage in the growing animal feed industry.
By investing in appropriate grinding technology, Iraqi producers can enhance their product quality, reduce operational costs, and contribute to the development of a more efficient and sustainable animal production sector in the region.