In recent years there is an emerging trend of coarse grinding of cereals in
production of poultry feed due to positive influence of coarse particles on
poultry digestive system. Influence of grinding method (hammer mill vs.
roller mill) and grinding intensity of corn (coarseness of grinding) on mill
specific energy consumption and pellet quality was investigated. By
decreasing grinding intensity of corn (coarser grinding), specific energy
consumption of both hammer mill and roller mill was significantly decreased
(p < 0.05). When comparing similar grinding intensities on hammer mill and
roller mill (similar geometric mean diameter or similar particle size
distribution), specific energy consumption was higher for the hammer mill.
Pellet quality decreased with coarser grinding on hammer mill but, however,
this effect was not observed for the roller mill. Generally, pellet quality
was better when roller mill was used. It can be concluded that significant
energy savings could be achieved by coarser grinding of corn before pelleting
and by using roller mill instead of hammer mill. From the aspect of pellet
quality, if coarser grinding is applied it is better to use roller mill,
concerning that more uniform particle size distribution of corn ground on
roller mill probably results in more uniform particle size distribution in
pellets and this provides better pellet quality.
Study of Corn Stover Particle Size Distribution Characteristics for Knife Mill and Hammer Mill
