Grain crusher or grain mill – which is better for feed production?

If you run a farm or raise livestock, you have probably wondered more than once what is better to invest in – a grain crusher or a grain mill?
It is probably obvious to you that the quality of the feed given to animals translates into better growth and health. But how can it be improved?
If you prepare feed for your livestock yourself – the answer is simple: by using a grain crusher, a grain mill or an extruder.
Which of these machines should you choose?

It depends on several factors. In this article, we will try to answer this question in detail. Both a grain mill and a grain crusher are used for the same purpose – crushing grain. However, they perform this task in completely different ways. And it is this difference that determines how your animals will perform.

Grain crusher – what is it?

Grain crusher is a device that crushes grain for feed. Sounds simple? And that’s exactly the point. The operating principle is simple but effective. The grain passes through rollers that flatten it without grinding it into powder. As a result, it retains its structure but becomes more digestible for animals.

Importantly, a grain crusher does not generate high temperatures during operation. In this respect, it differs from an extruder. This is a huge advantage because the protein in the grain remains intact – no denaturation occurs. And this directly affects the nutritional value of the feed. That is why grain crushers work so well in dairy cattle farming, where every gram of protein matters.

Corn crusher – is it a good solution?

Yes, absolutely. Corn crusher handles corn very well, although it is worth remembering that corn is harder than other grains. Some models are specially adapted for this type of grain – they have stronger rollers and higher capacity. The crushers available in our offer are perfect for processing corn. If you raise cattle and have access to your own corn cobs, a crusher will be a perfect choice.

I remember a conversation with a neighbor who had milled corn for his cows for years. He said the milk was fine, but since switching to a crusher, he noticed a difference – the cows felt better and the fat content in the milk increased slightly. And there was less dust in the barn, which is also not insignificant.

Therefore, for cattle, a grain crusher is the better choice.

Grain mill – a classic that has its place

Grain mill is a completely different machine. In this device, the grain is heavily ground, sometimes almost into flour. On the market, you can choose from several types: hammer (suction-pressure), burr, stone and disc. Each has its application, but they all have one thing in common – they produce finely ground feed.

At high rotational speeds, the mill heats up, causing the protein in the grain to coagulate. Simply put – the feed loses nutritional value. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s worth knowing, especially if you care about the highest-quality feed for cattle.

On the other hand, for pigs or poultry, a grain mill works perfectly. These animals need finer feed that is easier to digest. In this case, milling makes more sense than crushing.

Crusher vs. mill – what to choose for your animals?

It mainly depends on what animals you raise and what grain you process.

For cattle – definitely a crusher

If you have dairy cows or beef cattle, choose a grain crusher. Feed from a crusher contains more digestible protein and does not contain as much dust, which can lead to rumen acidosis. And that is a serious issue – acidosis can really harm animals and reduce milk production.

A crusher also allows better control of particle size, which is important in ruminant nutrition. Feed that is too finely ground is not good for them because it disrupts the natural digestive process in the rumen.

For pigs and poultry – a grain mill will do

Here the situation is reversed. Pigs and poultry need finer feed that is quickly digested. Grain mill produces exactly what these animals need. And it is simply cheaper to purchase, which also matters, especially in smaller farms.

If you raise different species of animals, it may sometimes be worth having both devices. But if you must choose one, consider what forms the core of your livestock production.

Practical aspects – costs and operation

A grain crusher consumes less electricity than a grain mill. It has fewer moving parts, so breakdowns should be less frequent. Maintenance is also simpler. The downside is that feed from a crusher is not suitable for long-term storage – fats and vitamins oxidize quickly. In practice, this means you need to crush “on demand”, according to current needs.

Grain mill is usually cheaper to purchase but generates higher electricity bills. It is also noisier and produces a lot of dust, which can be troublesome. On the other hand, ground feed stores slightly better, although it should still not be kept for months.

Capacity – choose the machine according to farm size

Both crushers and mills are available in various capacities. From small models producing 30–50 kg per hour to real production machines reaching up to 10 tons. Before purchasing, calculate how much feed you actually need daily. There is no point in overpaying for capacity you will not use.

From my experience, it is better to have a slightly oversized machine than one that is too small. You can always prepare feed for a few days ahead and avoid standing over the device for hours.

Summary – what to choose: a crusher or a mill?

There is no single answer to the question “crusher or mill?”. It depends on your livestock:

• Grain crusher – an excellent choice for cattle, especially dairy cows. Preserves nutritional value, does not create dust, consumes less electricity. Downside? Feed spoils faster.
• Grain mill – ideal for pigs and poultry. Cheaper, produces fine feed. But destroys part of the protein and generates higher operating costs.

If you mainly have cattle and corn, corn crusher will be the best choice. For pigs or chickens – a grain mill will not disappoint. And if you run mixed livestock production? It may be worth considering both machines, although budget is understandably a factor.

The most important thing is to carefully consider your needs before purchasing. Talk to other farmers, check reviews of specific models. Because although it is “just” a grain processing machine, it has a real impact on the health of your animals and the profitability of your entire farm.