Pellet Production from Green Pistachio Shell Waste with Varying Levels in Livestock Feed

Green pistachio shells, a common agricultural waste in the country, face limited use as animal feed due to harmful microbes and bacteria. To enhance their nutritional value, additives like barley, corn, and beet pulp were mixed in ratios of 0, 20, 50, and 80 kg per 100 kg of pistachio shell. Using a pelletizing machine, the effects of temperature (50, 70, and 80°C), additive levels (0, 20, 50, and 80%), and particle size (0.5 and 1 mm) on anti-nutritional compounds and mechanical properties of pellets were studied. The factorial experiments, based on a completely randomized design (CRD), revealed significant reductions in phenolic and tannin content, with the greatest decrease (79% and 81%) at 80°C and 80% additives. Mechanical properties like durability and toughness improved most at 80°C, 50% additives, and 0.5 mm particle size. These findings highlight the potential to reduce livestock feed costs and environmental pollution through optimized pellet production.