20 January, 2026

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• Palm Kernel Expeller
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Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE): The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Its Uses & Benefits

Table of Contents

• What is Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE)?
• How is Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) Produced?
• Nutritional Specifications of PKE
• The Key Benefits of Using PKE in Animal Feed
• Primary Uses of PKE
• Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In the world of animal nutrition, finding cost-effective, sustainable, and nutrient-rich feed ingredients is a constant challenge. This is where Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) emerges as a powerful solution. As a significant by-product of the palm oil industry, PKE offers a valuable resource for livestock farmers, particularly in the ruminant sector. This guide will explore everything you need to know about this versatile feed ingredient.

What is Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE)?

Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) is a by-product derived from the mechanical extraction of oil from the kernel of the oil palm fruit. After the palm kernels are crushed and the valuable palm kernel oil is pressed out, the remaining solid, fibrous material is the PKE. It is also commonly known as Palm Kernel Cake (PKC).

This material is rich in crude fiber and has a moderate protein and energy content, making it an excellent ingredient for animal feed. Its affordability compared to other feedstuffs like soybean meal or maize has made PKE a staple in compound feed formulations across the globe, especially in major producing countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.

How is Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) Produced?

The production of PKE is directly linked to the palm oil milling process. The journey from a fresh Oil Palm Fruit Bunch to the final expeller product involves several key stages. Understanding this process helps in appreciating the quality and nature of the final feed ingredient.

1. Harvesting and Sterilization: Fresh palm fruit bunches are harvested and sterilized with steam to halt enzymatic processes that increase free fatty acids.
2. Threshing and Digesting: The fruit is separated from the bunch (threshing) and then heated in a digester to break down the oil-bearing cells.
3. Oil Pressing: The digested fruit mash is pressed to extract Crude Palm Oil (CPO). This process leaves behind a press cake consisting of fiber and nuts.
4. Nut and Kernel Separation: The nuts are separated, dried, and cracked to release the Palm Kernel. The shells, which become Palm Kernel Shell, are often used as biofuel for the mill.
5. Kernel Oil Extraction: The kernels are crushed and put through a screw press in a mechanical extraction process to squeeze out the Palm Kernel Oil (PKO). The solid residue left behind is the PKE.

Nutritional Specifications of PKE

The nutritional profile of PKE can vary based on the efficiency of the oil extraction process and the amount of shell remaining. However, a typical analysis provides a solid foundation for its use in feed. It is primarily valued for its high fiber and moderate energy levels.

Its high fiber content makes PKE particularly suitable for ruminants like cattle, sheep, and goats, whose digestive systems are well-equipped to break down fibrous materials. For more detailed analysis, agricultural bodies like the Feedipedia database provide extensive information on feed composition.

The Key Benefits of Using PKE in Animal Feed

The widespread adoption of PKE is driven by several compelling advantages for feed manufacturers and farmers.

1. Impressive Cost-Effectiveness

PKE is often significantly cheaper than traditional protein and energy sources like soybean meal, corn, and barley. This price advantage allows for a reduction in overall feed costs without compromising essential nutritional inputs, boosting profitability for livestock operations.

2. High-Fiber for Ruminant Health

The high concentration of digestible fiber is a major benefit for ruminant animals. It promotes healthy rumen function, aids in cud chewing, and supports the microbial ecosystem in the gut, leading to improved overall animal health and productivity. Research published in journals like the Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences frequently explores the benefits of fibrous by-products in cattle diets.

3. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly

As a by-product, PKE contributes to a more circular economy. Utilizing it in animal feed ensures that less waste is generated from the palm oil industry, turning a potential disposal problem into a valuable resource. This aligns with global efforts to enhance sustainability in agriculture.

Primary Uses of PKE

While primarily known as a cattle feed, the applications for PKE are diverse, spanning several sectors of the livestock industry.

Feed for Ruminants (Cattle, Goats, Sheep)

This is the largest market for PKE. It serves as an excellent source of energy and fiber for both dairy and beef cattle. In dairy cows, it helps maintain butterfat levels in milk due to its fiber content. Inclusion rates can be as high as 30-50% in the total diet, depending on the other ingredients used.

Feed for Monogastrics (Poultry and Swine)

The use of PKE in poultry and swine diets is more limited due to its high fiber and low energy digestibility for these animals. However, with the addition of specific feed enzymes to break down the fiber, it can be included at lower levels (typically 5-10%) as a cost-effective filler and protein source.

Aquaculture Feed

PKE is also being explored and used in feed formulations for certain species of fish, like tilapia. Its binding properties and nutrient profile can make it a viable component in pelleted fish feed, helping to reduce the reliance on more expensive fishmeal.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Despite its benefits, there are a few factors to consider when using PKE. Quality can vary, so sourcing from a reputable supplier is crucial. Key considerations include the grit or shell content, which can lower its nutritional value if too high.

Furthermore, like many feed commodities, PKE can be susceptible to mycotoxin contamination if not stored correctly in a dry, well-ventilated environment. Proper quality control and storage management are essential to mitigate these risks. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN provides extensive guidelines on feed safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is PKE the same as Palm Kernel Cake (PKC)?

Yes, the terms Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) and Palm Kernel Cake (PKC) are often used interchangeably. Both refer to the solid residue left after oil has been extracted from palm kernels. “Expeller” specifically refers to the mechanical screw-press method of extraction.

What is a safe inclusion rate for PKE in cattle feed?

For dairy and beef cattle, PKE can often be included at rates of 20-30% of the total diet concentrate. In some systems, particularly for non-lactating or beef cattle, this can be pushed higher, but it should always be done as part of a balanced ration formulated by a nutritionist.

Is PKE a sustainable product?

From a circular economy standpoint, PKE is highly sustainable as it valorizes a by-product. However, its sustainability is tied to the broader debate on sustainable palm oil production. Sourcing PKE from suppliers who are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) can help ensure it comes from responsible sources.

Your Trusted Palm Products Supplier

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.

Conclusion: The Future of PKE in Global Feed

PKE stands out as a uniquely valuable resource in the global animal feed industry. Its combination of cost-effectiveness, beneficial high-fiber nutritional profile for ruminants, and its role as a sustainable by-product makes it an indispensable ingredient. While careful sourcing and quality control are necessary, its benefits in reducing feed costs and promoting agricultural circularity are undeniable. As the world seeks more efficient and sustainable ways to feed a growing population, the importance of ingredients like Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) will only continue to grow.