Exploring the crushing size of raw materials for pig feed

In recent years, the study of the optimal particle size for grinding various livestock feed ingredients has gained significant attention from agricultural professionals. A wealth of scientific literature now addresses the importance of accurately controlling the particle size of feed components to achieve the best possible animal performance. This article aims to summarize some of the most relevant research findings, providing readers with a foundational understanding of the topic and highlighting current advancements and future directions in this field. **First, a brief overview of the reasons for moderately reducing the particle size of feed ingredients. Benefits of raw material crushing include:** 1) Making it easier to process root vegetables or high-fiber materials. 2) Enhancing the uniformity of mixing. 3) Preparing for further processing steps like pelleting or extrusion. 4) Increasing digestibility by expanding the surface area available for digestive enzymes. 5) Meeting consumer preferences. The American Society of Agricultural Engineers (1968) introduced a method for evaluating particle size based on a lognormal distribution proposed by Headley et al. This method calculates average particle size, geometric standard deviation, and particle surface area by measuring the proportion of feed ingredients passing through a standard sieve. The American Institute of Dairy Science (1970) also adopted this approach. This evaluation system has significantly improved collaboration among zoologists, nutritionists, and feed companies, as it offers a standardized way to compare different grinding processes and assess how particle size affects livestock production. **Livestock Production Performance** Current research in this area primarily focuses on the nutritional aspects of pigs, but the influence of particle size on performance is not limited to them. The impact of particle size on feed utilization depends on both the type of feed and the growth stage of the animal. Younger animals tend to chew more thoroughly than adults, so the particle size of adult pig diets does not necessarily need to meet the same standards. Studies have shown that reducing particle size can enhance animal performance regardless of age. For example, in a study examining the effect of granulation on the digestibility of finishing pigs, sorghum was processed using a hammer mill after being dried with a drum dryer. The particles were sieved through 6.4 mm and 3.2 mm mesh sizes. The resulting granules, with average particle sizes of 1,262, 802, and 471 micrometers, were tested on finishing pigs with ileal fistulas. The results showed that reducing the particle size significantly improved the apparent digestibility of dry matter, carbohydrates, energy, and nitrogen (see Table 1). Ohh et al. conducted an experiment using two different corn and sorghum sizes, processed by a drum mill and a hammer mill. The drum mill produced coarse and fine grains, while the hammer mill used 6.4 mm and 3.2 mm sieves. The average particle size after fine grinding by the drum mill was similar to that of the hammer mill with a 6.4 mm sieve. However, the drum mill had a smaller geometric standard deviation and produced less dust (particles smaller than 145 micrometers). The results showed that the type of grain, processing method, and particle size all affected piglet performance (Table 3). While daily weight gain was not affected, feed intake increased as particle size decreased. Piglets fed with drum-milled grains had better feed intake compared to those fed with hammer-milled grains, especially when using a 3.2 mm sieve, which resulted in the lowest feed intake and the highest dust levels. These findings suggest that finer grinding improves nutrient digestibility and feed efficiency. However, excessive grinding can reduce feed palatability and increase the risk of gastric ulcers in animals, particularly in breeding pigs. From a management perspective, over-processing can lead to dust accumulation, causing respiratory issues or eye irritation. It may also cause feed bridging in storage bins and feeders, affecting the feeding process. Therefore, finding the right balance is crucial for maximizing performance while ensuring animal health and operational efficiency.

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