by Blake SandnesGetting particle size just right in livestock feed is essential for optimizing nutrition and growth. Different particle sizes of animal feed are best for different types of livestock. We’ll walk you through some of the latest science on grain feed size, why it matters, and how RMS can help ensure you get it right every time.
Why Does Particle Size Matter in Ag Feed?
Grinding grains into quality feed for livestock is a vital component of agricultural science. Researchers have tested various factors, including particle size, to determine the most efficient way to deliver nutrition and trigger growth.
Particle size is just one component to consider when producing animal feed, but it is important. The size of feed particles effects several factors of growing and finishing livestock:
- The ability of the animals to digest the feed
- How efficiently the animals grow compared to the amount of feed provided
- How well the grain particles can be mixed and pelleted
- The overall health of the animals
Because particle size impacts so much of the process of growing and finishing animals, experts recommend establishing routine evaluations of grind size.
Grinding Feed for Cattle, Chickens, and Swine
The ideal particle size range varies by animal and feed type. It also changes over time as the research progresses.
Particle Size for Growing Swine
Particle size is particularly important for feeding swine. It has a greater impact on swine digestibility and efficiency than other animals.
The most updated information on swine feed particle size comes from Kansas State University. Every 100-micron decrease in particle size (down to 300 microns) improves feed and growth by about 1% due to improved digestibility.
The researchers have found that the digestibility benefit of decreasing particle size must be balanced with other factors. Going too small can decrease feed flowability and increase the risk of gastric ulcers, which, in turn, can stunt growth and increase mortality. According to this latest research, the best particle size range for swine is 500 to 600 microns.
Feed for Dairy Cows
Particle size is also important for dairy cattle and must be considered to maximize feeding and growth efficiency and minimize the risks of small particles.
While studies have shown that actual feed particle size varies significantly and can be very coarse, smaller particle sizes are better even down to below 400 microns. Generally, a particle size around microns is considered best for dairy cattle.
How to Grind Corn for Chicken Feed
Growth in egg-laying chickens is not as important as it is for broiler chickens. For the latter, research suggests a feed particle size between 600 and 900 microns is ideal. Studies also show that particle size is more important for mash diets than pellets.
Evaluating Different Particle Sizes of Animal Feed
Regularly evaluating your grain feedparticle size is essential for producing the highest quality product. The standard way to analyze particle size relies on sieves. The standard procedure allows for some variation, which means different labs can get slightly different results for the same feed.
RMS understands the importance of particle size to maintaining a consistent and quality product, which is why we developed ParticleProTM. The system uses automation and a cloud-based user interface to decrease the time and labor involved in this crucial task.
ParticleProTM measures every particle in a sample for precise results, which are loaded into useful reports that are accessible from anywhere on the cloud. The system catches any out-of-spec material and makes adjustments to maintain the right particle size. You can also use the system to conduct impact studies and tests to maximize grind efficiency and minimize costs.
If your grain particle size isn’t as consistent or accurate as you would like, or if you’re not even sure how your process measures up to standards, RMS can help. We can talk you through options and pricing and ensure you get a consistent, quality grind every time. Contact us to request a quote today.
