Can You Use a Grain Mill for Animal Feed?

Choosing the Right Grain Mill

When selecting a grain mill for animal feed, consider a model with a stainless steel or food-grade plastic design to ensure easy cleaning. A hand-cranked or electric grain mill with a fine grinding capability is ideal for producing high-quality animal feed. For example, the KoMo grain mill, with its 360-watt motor and 12-inch grinding surface, can process up to 2 cups of grain per minute.

Safety and Sanitation Considerations

To prevent contamination and ensure the health of your animals, maintain a clean and sanitized grain mill environment. Regularly wash the mill with soap and water, and dry it thoroughly after each use. Use a separate grinding surface or container for animal feed to avoid cross-contamination with human food. Consider using a grain mill with a built-in dust collection system or a separate vacuum attachment to minimize dust and debris.

Tips for Grinding Animal Feed

When grinding animal feed, it’s essential to achieve the correct particle size for optimal digestibility and nutrient absorption. A fine grind of around 150-200 microns is suitable for most livestock, including chickens, pigs, and horses. To achieve this, use a grain mill with a fine grinding capability and adjust the grind setting accordingly. It’s also crucial to store the ground animal feed in a dry, airtight container to preserve its nutritional value and prevent spoilage.