Feed is one of livestock farmers’ biggest and most important costs. The quality of feed directly impacts animals’ health and how well they grow, so it’s essential for livestock diets to provide all the necessary nutrients.
Farmers often hire livestock nutritionists to help develop special diets where each nutrient (protein, energy, fibre, vitamins, minerals, for example) is managed and controlled through the precise mixing of various feed ingredients.
This process is possible because of feed mixers.
Two types of feed mixers
Feed mixers are specialized machines that blend animal feed ingredients into a uniform and balanced mixture. They consist of a tub and mixing auger or rotating blades with knives to blend feed components, and a discharge conveyor to deliver them to livestock at feeding time.
There are two general types:
- Horizontal mixers – Horizontal mixers feature a horizontal mixing chamber with rotating blades, ensuring thorough blending. Due to their high capacity and efficiency, they are ideal for large-scale farms and commercial operations.
- Vertical mixers – Vertical mixers have an upright design, making them space-efficient. They are suitable for smaller farms, providing flexibility and versatility in ingredient combinations.
Feed mixers can be powered by a tractor, as a stationary unit powered by electricity, or mounted on the back of a truck and run by hydraulics.
Mixing feed – a step by step breakdown
The operation of a feed mixer depends on type and design, but the basic principles remain the same. Here’s how they work.
- Loading
The first step involves loading feed ingredients into the mixer. This can be done manually or through automated systems, depending on the setup. Ingredients may include grains such as barley or wheat, forages like alfalfa or clover, and vitamins, minerals and other nutritional supplements.
- Mixing process
Once the ingredients are loaded, the mixing process begins. The mixer’s augers or paddles rotate, moving the feed ingredients through the mixing chamber. This blends the ingredients to create a uniform mixture.
- Monitoring consistency
Many modern feed mixers come equipped with monitoring systems that assess the consistency and quality of the mix. This feature allows operators to make adjustments as needed, ensuring the final product meets nutritional standards for their livestock.
- Delivery of mixed feed to animals
After the mixing process is complete, the feed is discharged from the mixer. This can be done through a gate or chute, allowing for easy transfer to feed storage or directly to the feeding area.
- Cleaning and maintenance
To maintain optimal performance, regular cleaning and maintenance of the feed mixer are essential. This prevents cross-contamination between different feed types and ensures the longevity of the equipment.
Private chefs and custom recipes
The makeup of each diet depends on what ingredients farmers have on hand and the unique requirements of each group of animals and what they find tasty.
Farmers usually grow or buy feed ingredients like grains, hay and forages, vitamins, minerals and byproducts like distillers’ grains from ethanol production or canola meal after the oil has been extracted. Nutritionists analyze each feed ingredient and then provide a ration (recipe) for how much of each ingredient is required.
Feed requirements depend on the animal species. For example, chickens eat a very different diet than milk cows, and the ingredients added to the feed mixer are customized to specific nutritional needs and preferences. Cattle also eat larger feed particles, while poultry consume more finely ground feed.
Why do farmers use feed mixers?
Uniformity: Just like kids, animals can be picky. They’ll choose the tastier grains and leave out the healthy minerals if they’re not mixed together well. A feed mixer ensures every portion of the feed is consistent in quality and nutrient makeup to prevent livestock from picking through and selecting only what they want.
Efficiency: Mixing feed manually can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. A feed mixer automates this process, saving time and reducing labour costs by managing large feed volumes.
Customizable Rations: Feed mixers allow farmers to create the custom feed rations recommended by their livestock nutritionists. For example, younger animals may require higher protein and higher energy, while older cows need less energy but higher rates of vitamins and minerals.
More information on this topic:
- Life on Pine Ranch: Mixing the Winter Ration and Feeding Cattle
- Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre, Resource Bank
- Photos and videos: Vermeer.com
