Processing feed can affect how it is digested, particularily when feeding grains. Types of processing can be seen here.

Grain processing breaks a seed’s hard outer shell and can have many benefits. Whole grains have a lower digestibility than processed grains. For the nutrient intake from whole grains to compare to nutrient intake of processed grains, the animal would have to consume more. This is impractical both in terms of maximizing the nutrients in an animal’s DMI, as well as financially in the cost of grain. Improving the digestibility of a grain by processing it improves feed efficiency.

In digestion, processed grain speeds up the availability of energy to rumen microbes. The removal of the undigestible outer shell and the reduced particle size of processed grain increases the surface area for microbial activity in the rumen and enzyme action in the small intestine. This also allows for increased fermentation without detrimentally affecting ruminal pH.

In terms of delivery, processed grain can be easier to mix into a feed. This can provide constant nutrient levels in a ration, as processed grain is usually more consistent in size, texture, shape, and moisture than whole grains.