What Is PKE (Palm Kernel Expeller)? Composition, Specifications, and Uses
- PKE (palm kernel expeller) is the solid cake left after palm kernel oil is mechanically extracted from palm kernels.[1]
- Its composition includes 14–18% crude protein, 5–10% residual fat, 12–20% crude fiber, and maximum moisture of 8–12%.[2]
- PKE is known as a ruminant feed ingredient that supplies protein, fiber, and energy together, with metabolizable energy of 10–12 MJ/kg dry matter.[1][3]
- Unlike solvent-extracted palm kernel meal, PKE retains higher residual fat, giving it better energy value.[3]
- It is used for dairy cattle, beef cattle, goats, and sheep, and as biomass fuel and compost.[2][3]
PKE is a palm kernel oil industry by-product rich in fiber and protein. Its relatively high residual fat makes it a cost-effective ruminant feed that supplies energy and fiber.
Table of contents
What Is PKE?
Palm kernel expeller, or PKE, is the solid cake left after palm kernel oil is mechanically extracted from palm kernels. The product is also known as palm kernel cake.[1]
PKE is a by-product from palm oil mills that process kernels into palm kernel oil. After pressing, the solid residue is rich in fiber and still contains fat, protein, and minerals useful for livestock.[2]
Unlike solvent-extracted palm kernel meal, PKE retains higher residual fat, typically 5–8%, so its energy value is better for ruminant feed formulations.[3]
Composition and Specifications
PKE composition varies with kernel quality and extraction process. Shell content and residual fat are the main quality determinants, and national standards regulate PKE as a livestock feed ingredient.[2][4]
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Crude protein (%) | 14–18 |
| Crude fat (%) | 5–10 |
| Crude fiber (%) | 12–20 |
| Moisture (%) | Max. 8–12 |
| Ash (%) | 3–5 |
| Shell content (%) | Max. 10–15 |
| Metabolizable energy (MJ/kg DM) | 10–12 |
| Aflatoxin B1 (ppb) | Max. 20 |
| Grade | Crude protein | Shell content |
|---|---|---|
| Standard PKE | 14–16% | Max. 7% |
| Premium PKE | 16–18% | Max. 5% |
| Low-fat PKE | – | Fat 6–8% |
Production
PKE is produced after palm kernels are pressed to extract oil. Dried kernels are fed into screw presses, and the solid residue is collected as expeller cake.[2]
PKE quality depends on shell content because shell is inert and of little value in the rumen. Mills with worn screens can produce higher shell content and lower product quality.[2]
PKE has relatively high copper, about 20–30 mg/kg, which should be watched in sheep because copper can accumulate. Free fatty acid levels should also be monitored during long-distance transport.[2]
Uses
PKE is used as ruminant feed, especially for dairy and beef cattle. Inclusion rates of 20–40% in total mixed rations are common for dairy cattle, while 25–35% is reported to improve growth rates in goats. PKE is safe for livestock because it does not pose acidosis risk.[1][3][5]
PKE is also used for sheep and other ruminants, and as biomass fuel for power generation at palm oil mills. Spent PKE with little feed value can be composted into high-quality organic fertilizer.[3]
PKE feeding should start gradually, about 500 g per cow per day, then increase to a maximum of 6 kg per cow per day. PKE can be mixed with forage, grains, and molasses to simplify feed formulation.[1][3]
Summary
PKE, or palm kernel expeller, is solid cake from mechanical palm kernel oil extraction with 14–18% crude protein, 5–10% fat, and 12–20% fiber. It is used as ruminant feed, biomass fuel, and compost feedstock.
References
- NZ Farm Source. Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) — product specification sheet. https://store.nzfarmsource.co.nz/agrifeeds/pke-product-spec-sheet.pdf
- Commbril. Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) — specifications, grades, and applications. https://www.commbril.com/commodities/feed-byproducts/palm-kernel-expeller
- Makmur Amanah Sejahtera. Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) — composition and nutrition specifications. https://makmuramanah.co.id/id/products/palm-kernel-expeller/
- Jurnal PKNSTAN. Review of Value Added Tax on Palm Kernel Expeller — SNI 7856:2017. https://jurnal.pknstan.ac.id/index.php/pkn/article/download/2316/1178
- Riverina. Palm Kernel Meal — fact sheet. https://www.riverina.com.au/fileadmin/riverina/documents/PALM_KERNAL_MEAL_fact_sheet.pdf