Wheat middlings

Wheat middlings (also known as millfeed, wheat mill run, or wheat midds) are the product of the wheat milling process that is not flour. A good source of protein, fiber, and phosphorus, along with various other nutrients, they are used to produce foods like pasta, breakfast cereals, puddings, and couscous for humans, as well as fodder for livestock and pets. ^[1] They are also being researched for use as a biofuel.

Production

Wheat milling methods to produce white flour eliminate those portions of the wheat kernel (bran, germ, shorts, and red dog mill streams) that are richest in proteins, vitamins, lipids and minerals. For example, highly refined patent flour may contain only 10 to 12% of the total thiamine and niacin, 20% of the phosphorus, and 50% of the calcium of the parent grain ^[2] Wheat middlings capture more of those portions lost in a purified wheat flour.

Classification Inconsistencies

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.

Human Consumption

Durum semolina is a kind of wheat middlings made from durum wheat; it is used to produce pasta, breakfast cereals, puddings, and couscous.

Animal Consumption

When used in feed for livestock or horses, middlings can be a good source of protein, fiber, and phosphorus, along with various other nutrients. However, flour milling products arising from a fairly homogeneous parent grain can vary greatly depending upon 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.^[1] It has 96 percent of the energy value of barley and 91 percent of the energy value of corn.^[3] It is also used frequently as an inexpensive filler for pet food for animals such as dogs and cats, who do not digest wheat products as readily.^[4]

Fuels Research

Due to its high energy content and low price, wheat middlings is being researched as a biofuel.^[5]

Nutrition

Sources