Harvesting grain at the right moisture level and getting it safely into storage without costly drying is one of the most practical challenges on any livestock farm. Tube storage of crushed grain has emerged as a reliable answer to that challenge, combining the simplicity of airtight fermentation preservation with the nutritional benefits of processing grain before it ever reaches the silo. When done correctly, this method protects feed quality, cuts energy costs, and keeps grain accessible throughout the feeding season.
The principle behind tube storage is straightforward: freshly harvested grain is crushed while still at harvest moisture, then packed tightly into a sealed plastic tube where it undergoes lactic acid fermentation. The result is a stable, high-quality feed grain that can be stored for months without refrigeration, artificial drying, or chemical additives beyond a preservation agent. Understanding how each step contributes to the final outcome helps farmers achieve consistently good results year after year.
How tube storage preserves crushed grain quality
The preservation mechanism in tube storage relies entirely on creating and maintaining an anaerobic environment. Once crushed grain is packed into the tube and the tube is sealed, residual oxygen is quickly consumed by natural microbial activity. Lactic acid bacteria then take over, producing lactic acid that drops the pH of the grain mass and creates conditions hostile to spoilage organisms.
This fermentation-based grain preservation is the same biological principle used in silage making, and it works just as reliably when the conditions are right. The key is achieving adequate density during filling so that air pockets are minimised, and sealing the tube ends promptly so that no new oxygen enters after filling. Crushed grain ferments more evenly than whole grain because the broken kernel surfaces expose more starch to bacterial activity, accelerating the acidification process and locking in nutritional value from an early stage.
Key advantages over traditional grain storage methods
Conventional grain storage typically requires drying harvested grain to a safe moisture level before it enters a bin or silo, which is both energy-intensive and time-consuming. Tube storage removes that requirement entirely, allowing grain to move from the combine to the crusher to the tube in a single continuous workflow.
The cost savings are significant. Drying grain consumes substantial fuel or electricity, and the infrastructure for heated-air drying represents a major capital investment. Airtight storage in tubes sidesteps both of those costs while also reducing field-to-storage losses, since grain harvested at slightly higher moisture avoids the kernel cracking and weight loss associated with aggressive drying. Beyond economics, the method is environmentally friendlier, with a meaningfully lower carbon footprint per tonne of stored feed. We at Murska have supported this approach since 1969, and evidence from farms across different climates consistently supports its advantages over conventional feed grain storage.
Crushing grain before storage: what changes
Processing grain before it enters the tube is not just a preparatory step; it fundamentally changes both the fermentation dynamics and the nutritional availability of the finished feed. Whole grain packed into a tube ferments unevenly, and intact seed coats limit how much of the starch content animals can actually digest.
The role of the mill type
The choice of milling equipment affects the texture of the crushed grain, which in turn influences fermentation rate and feed suitability for different livestock. A roller mill produces a consistent, flattened particle that ferments evenly and suits cattle operations particularly well. A disc mill delivers a finer, more uniform result and works well for pig farms where a finer particle size improves digestibility and feed conversion. A hammer mill grinds grain into flour and is suited to operations where the feeding recipe specifically calls for dry, finely ground grain, though it is less commonly paired with tube storage than the other mill types.
Moisture and harvest timing
Grain destined for tube storage is typically harvested at a higher moisture content than grain intended for dry storage, often in the range of 25 to 40 percent. This moisture level supports rapid lactic acid fermentation and reduces the risk of heating during the early stages of storage. Harvesting at this stage also means the crop can be taken off the field earlier, which is a practical benefit in shorter growing seasons.
Practical steps for filling and sealing grain tubes
Getting the physical process right is where tube storage either succeeds or fails. The tubing machine presses crushed grain into a continuous plastic sleeve, and the density of the packed material is the single most important variable to control during filling.
The tube should be filled steadily and consistently, with the machine moving at a pace that keeps back-pressure on the grain mass and prevents loose packing. Overfilling can stress the tube walls, while underfilling leaves voids where air can accumulate and allow mould to develop. Once a tube is complete, both ends must be folded and sealed immediately, using purpose-made clips or ties that prevent any air ingress. The tube should then be left undisturbed for a minimum fermentation period, typically at least three to four weeks, before opening for feeding. Placing tubes on flat, well-drained ground away from sharp stones or machinery traffic reduces the risk of punctures during the storage period.
Feed quality and animal performance outcomes
Fermented crushed grain consistently outperforms dried grain in nutritional terms. The fermentation process increases the bioavailability of protein and starch, and the lactic acid environment inhibits mycotoxin development, which is a meaningful benefit given the health risks that mould-derived toxins pose to livestock.
Cattle and pig farms that have adopted the crushed grain method regularly report improvements in daily weight gain, milk production, and feed conversion efficiency. The palatability of fermented grain is generally high, and animals tend to consume it readily with minimal sorting. Reducing mycotoxin risk also translates directly into fewer health incidents in the herd, which supports both animal welfare and farm profitability. For farms looking to improve feed quality without adding complexity to their operations, tube storage represents one of the most practical routes available.
Common mistakes that compromise tube storage results
Even a well-designed system can underperform if a few critical details are overlooked. The most frequent problem is inadequate sealing, either from tubes that are not sealed promptly after filling or from small punctures that go unnoticed until spoilage has already spread inward from the damaged area.
A second common issue is incorrect grain moisture at the time of crushing. Grain that is too dry ferments slowly and incompletely, which can allow undesirable microorganisms to establish before lactic acid bacteria dominate. Grain that is excessively wet may produce a sour, watery mass that animals find less palatable. Calibrating the preservation agent dosing to the actual grain quantity is equally important; modern control systems, such as the Murska Data system available on our disc mills, handle this automatically by adjusting additive flow to match throughput, removing the guesswork from what has historically been a manual calculation. Monitoring tubes during storage for signs of gas pockets, discolouration at the ends, or unusual odours allows problems to be caught early before they affect a large portion of the stored feed.
Getting the details right from the start is far easier than correcting problems mid-storage. If you are considering tube storage for the first time or looking to improve an existing setup, contact us to discuss which milling solution and workflow fits your farm’s scale and livestock type.
Meet Murska at EuroTier 2026
Murska will be exhibiting at EuroTier 2026, taking place from 10 to 13 November 2026 in Hanover, Germany. EuroTier is one of the world’s leading trade fairs for professional animal production and livestock farming, bringing together the latest solutions, technologies, and innovations from across the industry.
At the show, Murska will be presenting its range of solutions for efficient feed production, grain processing, and crimped grain preservation. Our roller mills, disc mills, preservation systems, and supporting feed handling equipment help farms improve production efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and optimise animal nutrition. With EuroTier 2026 placing a strong focus on animal welfare, feeding technology, automation, and sustainable production, the event provides an ideal setting to explore what Murska’s innovations can offer your operation.
We look forward to welcoming you at EuroTier 2026 in Hanover — come and meet our team of experts in person.
