• What is Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE)?
• The Primary Use of Palm Kernel Expeller in Animal Feed
• A Key Ingredient for Ruminant Feed (Cattle, Goats, Sheep)
• Strategic Use in Poultry Feed
• Application in Swine Feed Formulations
• A Sustainable Component in Aquaculture Feed
• Understanding the Nutritional Profile of PKE
• 5 Key Benefits of Using Palm Kernel Expeller in 2025
• 1. A Highly Cost-Effective Feed Ingredient
• 2. Excellent Source of Dietary Fiber
• 3. Promotes Sustainability and Reduces Waste
• 4. A Good Source of Metabolic Energy
• 5. Versatility in Feed Formulation
• Challenges and Limitations to Consider
• Beyond Animal Feed: Other Industrial Uses
• Conclusion and Contact Information

As the global demand for affordable and sustainable animal feed ingredients grows, industries are turning to innovative byproducts that offer both economic and nutritional value. One such ingredient that has gained significant traction is palm kernel expeller (PKE). Understanding the primary use of palm kernel expeller is crucial for farmers and feed manufacturers looking to optimize costs. This byproduct of the palm oil industry, which also produces essentials like Crude Palm Oil, is not waste; it’s a valuable resource with a wide range of applications, especially in livestock nutrition.

What is Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE)?

Palm kernel expeller, often abbreviated as PKE, is a co-product derived from processing palm nuts. After the palm fruit is harvested, the nut is cracked to reveal the kernel. This Palm Kernel is then crushed using a mechanical press (an expeller) to extract its oil. The solid, fibrous material left behind is the palm kernel expeller. It is a coarse, brownish, and gritty substance rich in protein, fiber, and energy.

It’s important not to confuse PKE with palm kernel cake (PKC). While often used interchangeably, PKC is typically produced via solvent extraction, which removes more oil. The mechanical process for PKE ensures a beneficial amount of residual oil remains, enhancing its energy profile and making its application valuable for animal energy intake.

The Primary Use of Palm Kernel Expeller in Animal Feed

By far, the most significant and widespread application of PKE is as an ingredient in compound animal feed. Its unique nutritional composition makes it suitable for various types of livestock, although its inclusion rate varies depending on the animal’s digestive system.

A Key Ingredient for Ruminant Feed (Cattle, Goats, Sheep)

PKE is an exceptional feed ingredient for ruminant animals like cattle, goats, and sheep. Their specialized digestive systems are highly efficient at breaking down the expeller’s high-fiber content, which promotes healthy rumen function. For dairy cattle, it serves as a cost-effective source of protein and energy, supporting milk production. The utilization of PKE helps maintain a stable rumen pH and provides a slow-release source of energy. According to the Feedipedia database, it is a safe and palatable ingredient for all classes of ruminants.

Strategic Use in Poultry Feed

In poultry diets for chickens, the application of palm kernel expeller must be strategic. Monogastric animals like poultry cannot digest high levels of fiber as effectively as ruminants. Therefore, PKE is typically included at lower percentages (around 5-10%) in their feed. Its inclusion helps reduce costs, but exceeding recommended levels can lead to poor nutrient absorption.

Application in Swine Feed Formulations

Similar to poultry, swine are monogastric, and their ability to utilize the high fiber in PKE is limited. However, it is commonly used in feed for sows and finishing pigs. The fiber content can be beneficial for gut health and satiety in pregnant sows. This careful formulation is key to the successful application of PKE in pig diets.

A Sustainable Component in Aquaculture Feed

The aquaculture industry is increasingly exploring plant-based protein sources to replace fishmeal. PKE is being investigated for herbivorous and omnivorous fish species like tilapia. Its affordability and protein content make it a viable candidate, but its high fiber necessitates further research to enhance its suitability for fish diets.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of PKE

To fully appreciate the applications of PKE, it’s essential to understand its typical nutritional breakdown. The residual oil, similar in nature to high-quality Palm Kernel Oil, makes it a good source of fat and energy.

• Crude Protein: 14-18%
• Crude Fiber: 16-22%
• Crude Fat (Residual Oil): 8-12%
• Metabolizable Energy: 10-12 MJ/kg
• Ash: 4-6%

While the protein level is moderate, it is deficient in essential amino acids like lysine. Therefore, it is often combined with other protein sources. A study in Animal Feed Science and Technology highlights the importance of this balancing act.

5 Key Benefits of Using Palm Kernel Expeller in 2025

1. A Highly Cost-Effective Feed Ingredient

The primary driver for its global adoption is price. As a byproduct, it is significantly cheaper than mainstream ingredients like corn and soybean meal, allowing farmers to lower overall feed costs.

2. Excellent Source of Dietary Fiber

For ruminants, the high fiber content is a major advantage. It stimulates cud chewing and saliva production, which helps buffer the rumen and prevent acidosis. This makes high-quality Palm Kernel Expeller an excellent complementary ingredient.

3. Promotes Sustainability and Reduces Waste

Utilizing PKE turns a potential waste product into a valuable resource. This aligns with circular economy principles, much like the use of Oil Palm Fruit Bunch for biomass. Organizations like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) work to ensure palm products are sourced responsibly.

4. A Good Source of Metabolic Energy

The residual oil left after mechanical extraction makes PKE a good source of fat and energy. This fat is a concentrated energy source that can help improve the body condition of animals and support energy-demanding processes like lactation and growth.

5. Versatility in Feed Formulation

Despite some limitations, PKE is a versatile ingredient that can be included in Total Mixed Rations (TMR), pelleted feeds, or used as a loose supplement, allowing for easy integration into various feeding systems.

Challenges and Limitations to Consider

While the benefits are clear, there are challenges to consider. Its grittiness, due to shell fragments which are also marketed as Palm Kernel Shell, can sometimes affect palatability. Furthermore, if not stored correctly in humid conditions, it can be susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. Proper storage and quality control are essential.

Beyond Animal Feed: Other Industrial Uses

While animal nutrition is its primary application, PKE can also be burned as a biomass fuel in industrial boilers to generate heat and electricity, offering a renewable energy source. It is also used as an organic fertilizer or a substrate for mushroom cultivation.

Conclusion and Contact Information

In conclusion, the versatile use of palm kernel expeller showcases remarkable innovation in the agricultural sector. Once a simple byproduct, it is now a cornerstone ingredient in many animal feed formulations worldwide. Its cost-effectiveness, high fiber content, and sustainability profile make it an invaluable resource for 2025 and beyond. By understanding its properties, benefits, and limitations, farmers and nutritionists can create balanced and sustainable feed solutions.

Makmur Amanah Sejahtera provides high-quality palm products such as Palm Kernel Expeller, Palm Kernel Shell, Crude Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, etc. Kindly contact us at WhatsApp +6282140002198 or email us at admin@makmuramanah.co.id.