USSEC organized one-on-one extrusion training at MEDIMIX and SNA, the two largest feed companies in Tunisia, on August 17 and 18. These companies are Tunisia’s two largest poultry integrators and have been using full fat soybean meal (FFSBM) for about four years.
USSEC consultant, Dr. Mian Riaz, Director- Food Protein Research & Development Center at Texas A & M University, visited the two extrusion units at MEDIMIX and SNA and trained the nutritionist, engineers and technicians of both companies, giving advanced presentations on soybean extrusion, as well as on animal waste extrusion. In addition to technical aspects, training emphasized the high value of U.S. Soy and its sustained amino acid profile. A field visit allowed Dr. Riaz to give the staff advice on process and maintenance. Discussions on new uses in animal waste extrusion, extruded pet food, and fish feed using soybean meal interested the both companies’ staff for current and future potential new investments.
Mohamed Chikhaoui, the general manager of Poulina Group Holding’s (PGH) four SNA feed mills, announced the start of the construction of a new extrusion unit (24 one ton per hour extruders) and a 30,000 metric ton (MT) bean storage facility during his meeting with Dr. Riaz and Riadh Karma, USSEC Technical and Commercial Consultant – Tunisia.

These two working days, one at each company, helped increased the awareness of quality of U.S. Soy, improved the understanding of the value of U.S. soybean meal compared to other origins, and educated the main local companies on how they could improve their extrusion process.