Feed milling is one of the core processes in the animal feed industry and plays a decisive role in the health, growth and production of agricultural animals. By using the right milling strategy, producers can ensure that animals not only receive the necessary nutrients, but are also utilised efficiently.
In South Africa, the hammer mill is one of the most widely used tools for this purpose. The machine is reliable, versatile and suitable for a wide range of raw materials, without the need for complicated settings.
Main purpose and benefits of feed milling
The main purpose of feed milling is to improve the digestion of raw materials. When grain or other feed sources are processed through a hammer mill, the particles become smaller and more digestible, allowing animals to utilise the maximum amount of energy and protein from each portion of feed.
Another major advantage is the reduction of waste. Larger or uneven particles can easily be rejected or half-digested. This leads to unnecessary losses. An even grinding result ensures that animals consume and utilise the entire ration.
Furthermore, feed milling facilitates the handling of raw materials. Milled feed mixes more easily, flows better through feeding systems and can be stored and transported more easily. This brings us to another important point: feed milling promotes and speeds up mixing processes.
Many farmers use mixers to chop bales of grass, lucerne or hay and mix them into rations. However, this process can be time-consuming and energy intensive. When the material first passes through a hammer mill, it is already in a suitable particle size. This means the mixer works faster and more efficiently, saving valuable time on the farm. Less time in the mixing process not only reduces energy consumption, but also significantly reduces the cost of the final product. This advantage makes the hammer mill a strategic tool in both small and large-scale feed production.
Finally, grinding is simply a prerequisite for pelleting. Without a consistent particle size, pellets cannot form a strong structure, leading to breakage and unnecessary material loss.
Other uses of feed mills
Although feed mills are mainly used for animal feed, they also offer value in other sectors. Products that are ground are easier to package, which improves storage and transport efficiency. In agriculture, they are used in fertilisation and composting, as finer material breaks down more quickly. They also contribute to waste management, where surplus material can be recycled and used for new purposes. Grinding also plays a role in the food and spice industry, laboratory testing, and even in the form of light litter or bedding for animals. This versatility highlights that feed mills are much more than just a step in animal nutrition.
Economic and practical value
For the farmer, an efficient grinding process means lower costs and better yields. Because animals get more nutrition from the same amount of feed, fewer raw materials are needed. Each kilogram of feed therefore works harder, and the total production cost per unit of milk, meat or eggs decreases.
In addition, milling helps streamline processes on the farm. It reduces labour time, reduces the risk of waste, and makes it easier to formulate feeds consistently.
Feed milling, and specifically the use of the hammer mill, is therefore a key element in successful animal nutrition. It improves digestion, reduces waste, facilitates handling and supports pelleting. In addition, it also offers secondary benefits – from better storage and transport to waste management and even applications in other industries.
For every producer striving for better health, higher productivity and a more sustainable farming, feed mill remains a strategic investment and a core component of the animal nutrition chain.
You can contact Drotsky by visiting their website at www.drotsky.co.za.
