In recent years, the agriculture and livestock industries in Zambia have shown strong growth due to increasing demand for animal feed additives that enhance livestock nutrition and productivity. One promising additive material is ground marble (calcium carbonate), which is valued for its high calcium content and neutral pH. Fine marble powder is widely used to supplement calcium in animal feed, improving bone growth, eggshell strength, and overall health in poultry, cattle, and other farm animals.
To produce high-quality marble powder for animal feed additives, an efficient, stable, and high-capacity grinding system is required. Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of industrial grinding mills in China, offers advanced grinding solutions that meet the 20–30 TPH production requirement in Zambia. This article explores the application of marble grinding mills for animal feed additives, key process considerations, and suitable equipment models from Shanghai Zenith.
Natural marble mainly contains calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which makes it suitable as a feed-grade mineral supplement. However, raw marble rock is too coarse for direct use in animal feed production. Grinding the marble into a fine powder ensures better mixing, uniform dosage, and improved digestibility for livestock.
The desired fineness for animal feed applications typically ranges from 170 microns to as fine as 45 microns, depending on the animal species and formulation requirements. Therefore, efficient grinding equipment with precise control over particle size distribution is critical.
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. provides various grinding mills suitable for marble powder production. Based on the capacity range of 20–30 TPH and the powder fineness needed for feed-grade calcium carbonate, two key models stand out: the MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill and the LM Vertical Grinding Mill.
The MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill is designed for stable, large-scale powder production and is ideal for processing limestone, marble, and calcite into fine powders. It incorporates advanced European technology, ensuring high efficiency and low energy consumption. This model is particularly suited for a 20–30 TPH plant producing fine marble powder for animal feed additives.
Its integrated design for crushing, grinding, and classification reduces investment and operating costs, while its high-speed turbine classifier ensures consistent product fineness.
| Model | Max. Feed Size (mm) | Final Size (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Main Motor (kW) | Fan Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTW175G | <40 | 1.6–0.045 | 9.5–25 | 160 | 200 |
| MTW215G | <50 | 1.6–0.045 | 15–45 | 280 | 315 |
Given a target output of 20–30 TPH, both MTW175G and MTW215G are excellent choices. The MTW215G, with its larger capacity, provides a comfortable performance margin and ensures steady operation even during peak production loads.
For even higher efficiency and integrated material handling, the LM Vertical Grinding Mill is another top-rated option. This advanced vertical grinding system combines crushing, drying, grinding, and powder selection into one compact structure, saving floor space and simplifying plant design. It is particularly advantageous in regions like Zambia, where space and energy optimization are crucial for cost-effective industrial operation.
| Model | Plate Diameter (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Output Fineness (μm) | Max Feed Size (mm) | Main Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM130K | 1300 | 10–28 | 170–40 | <38 | 200 |
| LM190K | 1900 | 23–68 | 170–40 | <45 | 500 |
The LM190K model stands out for this project, offering a 23–68 TPH capacity range that comfortably covers the 20–30 TPH target. Its vertical design facilitates easy drying of raw marble and ensures optimal control over final particle size distribution.
The production line for marble grinding in animal feed additive plants generally includes the following steps:
The system is designed for efficient dust control and minimal energy loss, ensuring sustainable operations and compliance with environmental safety standards.
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. provides not only the grinding equipment but also full engineering support, including plant design, installation guidance, commissioning, and operator training. The company’s after-sales team ensures timely maintenance and spare parts availability, allowing Zambian enterprises to maintain continuous and efficient production.
As Zambia continues to expand its livestock and poultry sectors, the demand for mineral feed additives like marble powder will increase steadily. The success of such production depends largely on the use of reliable and efficient grinding technology.
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd., with its decades of experience in powder grinding equipment, provides advanced solutions such as the MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill and the LM Vertical Grinding Mill, both of which perfectly meet the capacity and fineness requirements for marble-based feed additive production in Zambia.
By adopting Zenith’s energy-efficient and environmentally friendly grinding systems, producers can ensure consistent product quality, reduced operational costs, and enhanced market competitiveness in the agricultural supply chain.
