What Is the Ideal Particle Size in Feed Grinding for Feed Mills?

Ideal Particle Size in Feed Grinding for Feed Mills
  • 02 Jun 2026

Ideal Particle Size in Feed Grinding for Feed Mills

What Is the Ideal Particle Size in Feed Grinding for Feed Mills?

The most ideal particle size in feed grinding for feed mills should be between 2.5 - 4 mm for cattle (ruminants) and 1.5 - 2.5 mm for poultry (poultry, turkey). These micron dimensions, optimized according to the digestive system of the animal species, maximize the biological bioavailability of the raw material.

Atlas Yem, an engineering power based in Konya since 2002, sets industrial standards in turnkey feed mill installation processes. Our high-performance crushing systems optimize production costs per ton by releasing the full potential of raw materials.

Why Is Particle Size Critical When Selecting a Feed Grinder?

Achieving the correct particle size in feed production plants is directly related to operational profitability and animal health. Feeds that do not have an ideal micron structure lead to low PDI (Pellet Durability Index) values during the pelletizing system phase.

Atlas Yem engineering models the combination of hammer mills and screening systems in perfect synchronization within the grinding lines. Thanks to this integrated design, raw material waste during ration preparation is minimized and excessive dust formation is prevented.

Hammer Mill vs Roller Mill: Which Grinding Technology Should Be Selected?

Choosing the right grinding method in industrial feed technologies directly affects the total cost of ownership (TCO). You can review the operational comparison of the two technologies in the table below:

Parameter / Feature Hammer Mill Roller Mill
Ideal Particle Standard Variable micron structure, high dust ratio Homogeneous micron structure, near-zero dust
Energy Consumption Standard energy consumption Up to 20% energy savings
Raw Material Flexibility Very high in corn, barley, and meal types Limited variety of raw materials
Maintenance & Spare Parts Easy hammer replacement, low cost Requires roller calibration, high precision

Atlas Yem Technologies and Process-Oriented Sub-System Categories

A modern feed production plant consists of an integrated ecosystem that communicates and is traceable. With our ISO 9001:2015 certified production quality, we offer engineering solutions in 11 core sub-categories that eliminate bottlenecks in factories:

  • Raw Material Preparation: Crushing Systems and Dosing Units offering precise ration preparation.

  • Process Line: Mixing Systems and Liquid Additive Equipment providing homogeneous content management.

  • Forming and Quality: High-pressure Pelletizing Systems, Screening Systems, and Ventilation Systems.

  • Logistics and Storage: Transport Systems, Routing Equipment, Storage Systems, and Packaging Units.

In addition, we future-proof your facility with Flake Technologies (Flake Waltzes, Flake Steam Tower, Flake Drying Systems) that increase starch digestibility to over 90%, and Recycling Technologies (Shedder, Recycling Crusher Machine, Package Opening Machine, Trommel Sieve) that eliminate production waste.


Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

What is the relationship between feed grinding size and acidosis in cattle?

When the feed grinding size falls below 2.5 mm for cattle, a rapid increase in acidity occurs in the rumen, leading to acute acidosis. To maintain the ideal physical fiber effect, cattle feed must not be ground too finely.

How does small particle size affect pellet quality?

Small particle size allows better gelatinization of starch during steam conditioning. This increases pellet press performance, enabling the production of more durable and higher quality pellet feeds.

How can energy costs be reduced in feed grinding machinery?

Atlas Yem reduces energy consumption by up to 20% in crushing and pelleting units through new-generation motor drives and optimized mechanical designs. Also, ideal raw material moisture (%12-14) directly reduces power expenses.

Why is particle size finer in poultry feed than in cattle feed?

Poultry animals have shorter digestive tracts and different gizzard structures. In order for nutrients to be rapidly absorbed by enzymes and to comply with the beak structure, a micron thickness of 1.5 - 2.5 mm is targeted in poultry rations.

Why is sieve analysis mandatory in industrial feed mills?

Sieve analysis is performed to measure the homogeneity and physical effective fiber ratio of the produced feed. Ensuring standard quality of the feed leaving the factory allows businesses to establish an unwavering authority in market competition.


People Also Ask - PAA

What is the share of grinding systems in feed plant installation costs?

Crushing and dosing systems account for approximately 15-20% of turnkey feed mill installation costs. Accurate projection of these units significantly reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO).

What should be the sieve hole diameter of a feed grinding machine?

Sieve hole diameters vary according to the targeted particle size; while 3 - 5 mm sieves are generally used in cattle feed plants, 2 - 3 mm sieve diameters are preferred in poultry feed lines.

What is the main difference between flake technology and regular grinding?

While regular grinding mechanically breaks the raw material, flake technology (Steam Chest and Flaking Mill) cooks and rolls grains at high temperatures, proactively increasing starch digestibility to over 90%.


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