The use of cereals for animal nutrition dates back centuries, these are main sources of energy and nutrients, particularly wheat is one of the three most produced cereals in the world.

Chile currently imports half of the wheat it consumes; seven years ago, the trans-Andean country was close to being self-sufficient in wheat. In 2015, the country produced 1.5 million tons, in the 2020-2021 campaign, 1.2 million tons were harvested. In a period of 6 years, the hectares destined for wheat production were reduced from 258 thousand to 205 thousand. This decrease in the cultivated surface of wheat is due to the lower profitability that it presents compared to new productive alternatives.

In Chile, some 2.4 million tons are consumed per year, 45% of which comes from its own wheat grown from the Maule region to the south, with a higher concentration in the area of La AraucanĂ­a. The rest comes from Argentina, being the main supplier, 49%. In second place is Canada with 35% of the total, and then the United States, with 15%.

From the processing of wheat, wheat flour is obtained, which is consumed by humans. Chile consumes twice the world average, 140 kg per capita; and the wheat bran (pericarp) by-product formed by the external part of the grain is destined for animal consumption.

Wheat bran is marketed in flour or pelletized, the percentage of moisture must be controlled (- 14%) and the use of natural preservatives such as the cimenol ring must be assessed to ensure good microbiological and nutritional quality. The excess of microorganisms deteriorates this ingredient causing a decrease in nutritional contributions which leads to lower productivity and profitability.