On a feed pellet machine, the die, also called the grinding disc, sets the diameter of the finished pellet. Common die sizes are 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm and 8mm. The same machine therefore covers different animals simply by changing the disc.
Each machine comes with one die fitted as standard. If the farm keeps several kinds of animals, extra dies can be supplied with the order. That way one pellet machine handles poultry, pigs and cattle without buying a second unit.
When ordering spare dies, it pays to space the apertures about 1mm apart. Dies that sit too close together produce pellets of nearly the same size, so the extra disc adds little in practice.
For chickens and fish, the usual die aperture is 2-4mm. Pellets in this range are small enough for poultry and for fish to take comfortably. A 2mm or 3mm disc is the common choice where fine pellets are wanted.
For sheep and pigs, the usual aperture is 4-6mm. A pellet in this range matches the bite size of these animals better than a fine poultry pellet.
For cattle and horses, the usual aperture is 6-8mm. Feed at this size is the standard choice for large livestock.
