Effect of extrusion cooking temperature on the microstructure of extruded pellets

The microstructure of extruded pellets (EP) for fish under various extrusion cooking temperatures was studied by using a twin-shaft extruder. As the extrusion cooking temperature increased, the expansion rate increased and the bulk density of EP decreased. The liquefaction of the material started because of the increase in inner material temperature, the decrease in inner material pressure, and the decrease in main motor amperage. Thus, the microstructure of EP changed depending on the extrusion cooking conditions, that is, the extrusion cooking temperature effected greatly the liquefaction of the material. Generally, when the extrusion cooking temperature increased, the expansion rate increased, but a suitable temperature was found for a maximum expansion rate. The microstructure of the EP was caused by the liquefaction of the material and the microstructure effects on the function of EP. For example, the water holding capacity was affected by the inner bubble structure of an EP. These functions affect the character of the feed. EP produced under suitable conditions can have additional functions for feed.