Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) feed ingredient is increasingly valued by feed mills and farmers in Indonesia and global markets. Known for its balance of fiber, protein, and energy, PKE is a cost-effective solution for poultry and dairy rations. With Indonesia’s strong palm oil industry, PKE is widely available both locally and for export buyers seeking reliable animal feed inputs.
Why PKE matters for poultry and dairy
PKE is attractive to feed formulators because it offers:
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Energy source: Moderate fat and starch-like energy make PKE a useful cost-effective energy ingredient when combined with other concentrates.
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Fiber contribution: Higher fiber content helps ruminants and can be included at moderate levels in layer and broiler diets with enzyme strategies.
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Protein complement: Contains moderate crude protein (non-ruminant digestibility varies) and complements other protein sources in the ration.
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Price competitiveness: Often less expensive per energy or protein unit than many concentrates, offering margin benefits in large feed operations.
For poultry, PKE is typically included at lower inclusion rates (often <10–15% in broiler/layer diets depending on the formulation and enzymes) because of its fiber content and variable amino acid profile. For dairy and ruminants, inclusion can be higher — PKE supports milk production by providing fermentable fiber and energy when balanced properly.
Typical (industry) composition — what to expect
Composition varies with kernel source and processing. Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from suppliers. Typical ranges:
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Crude protein: ~14–18%
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Ether extract (fat): ~6–8% (residual oil)
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Crude fiber/NDF: ~15–25% (varies widely with processing)
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Moisture: <12% (ideally)
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Ash: ~3–5%
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Energy (ME/NEL): depends on species and analysis; feed formulators should run on-farm trials or lab estimates.
Always ask suppliers for a recent COA, mycotoxin screen, and microbiological test results — these are critical for export buyers and feed mill quality control.
Quality & safety: what buyers should check
When sourcing PKE (domestic or export), verify:
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Certificate of Analysis (COA): proximate analysis, amino acids if available.
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Mycotoxin testing: aflatoxins and fumonisins — especially for long storage or humid shipping.
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Moisture content: high moisture increases spoilage risk.
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Foreign matter & contaminants: shells, sand, or stones lower quality.
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Storage history & packaging: bagged vs. bulk, time since pressing.
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Sustainability credentials (if required): RSPO/other sustainability documentation may be requested by some buyers.
Packaging, logistics & export considerations
Common packaging: 25 kg polypropylene bags (with or without liners) for bagged shipments; bulk shipments also possible. Typical 20-foot container loads for bagged PKE commonly range around 18–22 MT depending on packing methods and bag weight — confirm with your logistics provider.
For export markets, include these documents: commercial invoice, packing list, phytosanitary or fumigation certificates if required by the destination, COA, and any sustainability certificates requested by the buyer (e.g., RSPO derivatives). Clear labelling and proper fumigation/ISPM procedures help avoid delays at destination ports.
Main export markets (overview)
Indonesia supplies PKE to many regions. Key buyer groups include:
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Southeast & East Asia — feed mills in Vietnam, Thailand, China, and beyond.
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Middle East & North Africa — demand for feed ingredients for poultry and ruminants.
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Europe — specialized feed blends and ruminant rations (buyers may require stricter QA/sustainability documentation).
Buyer requirements vary: some prioritize low price, others require strict QA and sustainability certifications. Know your buyer profile before pricing and packaging.
Practical tips for formulators and traders
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Test before scale-up: run small inclusion trials in poultry/dairy rations to confirm animal performance.
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Use enzymes or processing: proteolytic or fiber-degrading enzymes can improve digestibility in monogastrics.
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Blend wisely: combine PKE with higher-quality protein sources to meet amino acid targets.
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Monitor seasonal variation: kernel and PKE quality can vary with harvest/processing cycles.
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Negotiate COA validity: require recent lab tests (within 30 days) for export contracts.
Sustainability & value proposition
Buyers increasingly ask for traceability and sustainability. Indonesian exporters that can demonstrate responsible sourcing, traceability to mills, and compliance with local environmental standards will be more competitive in premiums markets.
Conclusion & next steps
Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) remains a practical, economical ingredient for poultry and dairy feed when used correctly. For traders and feed mills, the keys are reliable COAs, appropriate inclusion strategies, and attention to logistics & documentation for export markets.
Need product specs, fresh COA, or a commercial quote? If you’re sourcing PKE from Indonesia (bagged or bulk) and want competitive export-ready offers and document support, contact Heaven Coconut Global to request a sample and latest COA.
