Palm Kernel Extract

Description

Palm Kernel Extract is produced from the mechanical extraction of oil from the fruit of the Oil Palm.

 

Nutritional Benefits

PKE is a good source oil and rumen fermentable fibre, which usually improves butter fat test.

Although high in Neutral Detergent Fibre, PKE does not cause significant pasture substitution, owing to the high level of rumen by-pass NDF in PKE. PKE contains nearly no starch and can be safely fed with ad libitum access in the paddock.

 

Feeding Levels

The quickest and easiest introduction of PKE to your stock can be achieved by making the PKE available free access in the paddock to the livestock in a trough or trailer where the stock can eat the product in their own time. This usually results in dairy cattle consuming 1-2 kg/c/d within four days. If feeding in the bail through a silo, it is best to have the PKE mixed 30:70 with your present grain. Then increase the inclusion rate slowly, being guided by their ability to consume the feed.

 

Storage

PKE is delivered on farm in bulk truck/truck & trailer loads (10 T, 20 T or 30 T). As with any grain or meal, PKE needs to be kept dry as moisture combined with heat can cause fungi to grow. Common on farm storage methods are: in a shed or unused fertiliser bin; in a covered pit; on a concrete pad; or in a cutting, covered with plastic sheet and tyres. Most farmers order PKE as they need it and therefore use it reasonably expediently (within 40 - 50 days). The longer you plan to store PKE the better your storage facilities need to be. Being very fine, PKE is not suitable for silos unless mixed with other products.

 

Nutritional Information

DM:	88 %
ME (MJME/kg DM):	10.5 - 12.5
CP:	16 - 18 %
NDF:	55 - 60 %