Wheat middlings (also known asmillfeed,wheat mill run, orwheat midds) are the product of thewheatmilling process that is notflour.[1] A good source ofprotein,fiber,phosphorus, and other nutrients, they are a usefulfodder forlivestock and pets.[2] They are also being researched for use as abiofuel.
White flour is made entirely from theendosperm or protein/starchy part of the grain, leaving behind thegerm and thebran orfiber part. In addition to marketing the bran and germ as products in their own right, middlings includeshorts (making up approximately 12% of the original grain, consisting of fractions of endosperm, bran, and germ with an average particle size of 500–900microns) andred dog (actually a low-grade flour, making up approximately 3% of the original grain, consisting of fractions of endosperm and bran, with an average particle size of 100–300 microns).[3]
The middlings include those portions of the wheat kernel that are richest in proteins, vitamins, lipids and minerals. For example, highly refined patent flour may contain only 10 to 12% of the totalthiamine andniacin, 20% of thephosphorus, and 50% of thecalcium of the parent grain.[4]
The term is somewhat imprecise, as it does not take into account the various mill streams and proportions that are combined and ultimately constitute the product's final composition. As a consequence of this inconsistent terminology, difficulties are encountered when ascertaining nutritional value and establishing economic worth. Wheat midds are sometimes referred to negatively as "floor sweepings" although such products are generally captured long before they would end up on the floor.
When used in feed for livestock orhorses, middlings can be a good source ofprotein,fiber, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Flour milling products arising from a fairly homogeneous parent grain can vary greatly depending on the objectives of the milling process. Thus, the degree of nutrient variation in wheat midds can be a major consideration in determining whether its inclusion in a ration or formula feed is beneficial.[2] It has 96% of theenergy value ofbarley and 91% of the energy value ofcorn.[5] It is also used as an inexpensive filler for food for pets such as dogs and cats, who do not digest wheat products as readily.
Due to its high energy content and low price, wheat middlings is being researched as abiofuel.[6]
| Nutrient Value[5] | ||
|---|---|---|
| Analysis | Percentage | |
| Dry matter | 89% | |
| Crude protein | 16.5% | |
| Crude fiber | 7.5% | |
| Neutral detergent fiber | 32% | |
