Over 200 feed industry professionals from across Latin America gathered in Guatemala City for FeedTechnoVision LATAM 2025. This third global edition—and the first in Latin America—was more than just a technical symposium. It was a powerful reminder of how collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing are shaping the future of feed production in our region.
Latin America's (LATAM) animal protein markets continue to surge, growing over 4% per year — double the global growth in animal protein output. However, the adoption of feed technological innovations varies across the region, and raw material sourcing and sustainability issues present additional challenges. Throughout the conference, global feed thought leaders addressed these issues and explored approaches to accelerate innovation, enhance operations efficiency, and empower people across the feed production chain. Five takeaways from LATAM 2025 are shared below.
Feed industry consultant Gerardo Morantes noted that raw materials represent about 70% of feed production costs, making sure that reception, processing, and preservation of raw material integrity and waste reduction are priorities for efficient feed production. Technologies such as Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) and managerial approaches like Lean Six Sigma can help reduce variability and improve the consistency and quality of feed production. Monitoring ingredient quality and process parameters are key points to have an efficient and stable process.
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Integrated systems like weighing and flow control are essential for consistent feed quality. José Gustavo Nuñez, Project Manager at Skretting, highlighted how integrating weighing systems into PLC architecture helps operators detect deviations early and make data-driven adjustments. Regular checks on raw material distribution reduce formulation errors and improve throughput. Technology also plays a key role in feed safety. Antoniel Franco, Global Programme Manager Feed Processing and Quality at Trouw Nutrition, stressed the importance of ongoing personnel training to manage microbial and chemical risks. He emphasized that sampling, testing, and monitoring must be continuous elements of a robust feed safety programme.
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Pellet durability and animal performance are influenced by factors like particle size and steam quality. Héctor Pacheco, Feed Mill Manager at Mountaire Farms, emphasized that boiler maintenance, pressure regulation, and moisture control are critical for consistent pellet production. Wilmer Pacheco, Associate Professor at Auburn University, highlighted how moisture loss and poor cooling can lead to shrinkage and reduced profitability. He recommended using surfactants and organic acids to improve microbial safety and preserve pellet microstructure. He also recommended to optimise particle size for optimal animal and process performance.
Moisture management and feed hygiene remain essential pillars of the Feed Processing and Quality Programme.
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Investing in training, communication, and cross-functional knowledge transfer are key to feed milling success. Operators’, nutritionists’, and quality managers’ responsibilities should be considered in context with how their work relates to all aspects of feed production. A presentation by Ing. Josef Barbi showed that it is the expertise of people in various disciplines, and a thorough understanding of the revolution of feed processing and extrusion that lead to innovation, efficiency and sustainability in the industry.
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The efficiency and sustainability of feed production is not a destination but a continuous journey. Continuous monitoring and attention to precision controls and monitoring at every stage of production drives ongoing improvements. For José Maria Bello, Technical Manager, Nanta, feed manufacturing must bridge the gap between formulation requirements and processing reality. “To stay profitable, precision and effectiveness must go hand in hand and that means constantly evaluating and improving how we work," he stated. “Quality is a dynamic process, not a static goal.”
Various presentations and an interactive panel discussion focused on extruded feeds and examined the fast-growing pet food segment. María del Pilar Castiblanco, Key Account Manager at Trouw Nutrition, remarked on the fast-paced growth of the pet food market and the industry’s responsibility to deliver nutritious, sustainable, and palatable products.
Michel Pereira, Technical Director at Famsun, reinforced the key points on extrusion processing, with a strong focus on the requirements for precision and uniform drying, which is the costliest part within the extrusion process.
Ing. Jorge Piedrahita, Key Account Service Manager at Trouw Nutrition shared his views on how all disciplins in feed extrusion need to have a more holistic understanding of the feed process, quality, and nutrition. Efficiency can be enhanced throughout the production chain, and continuous capability development and cross-functional communication is key.
What made this event truly impactful wasn’t just the insights shared by global experts, but the strategic conversations it sparked. By bringing together feed mill operation managers, nutritionists, quality managers, and technical leaders, the event fostered a shared vision: one where technology, people, and process excellence come together to drive safer, smarter, and more resilient feed production. Inspired to transform your business? Get in touch via the form below - we're ready to support.