A finer grind can improve feed efficiency in corn and grain sorghum but very fine grinding may lead to gastric ulcers. Fine grinding of wheat results in a powdery, dusty diet that is very undesirable. The particle size of a grain processed in a hammer mill depends on three factors. The size of the openings in a hammer mill screen will partially determine particle size. The speed of the hammer mill also affects particle size.
Particle size increases as rpm is decreased and as the flow of grain into the mill increases.
Roll steamed or high moisture grains. Crumble pelleted feeds to improve intake in certain instances. Processing grains with a roller mill may produce a product similar to grinding but results in a more uniform final product. Roller mills are generally more expensive than hammer mills but cost less to operate. Rolling is the best processing for wheat and oats under most situations.