IAM
When investing in a vertical diet feeder or tub feeder, it’s important to recognise that not all machines are the same. Several factors will influence your decision, and selecting the right feeder can significantly impact the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your farming operation. Here are some key points to consider when making your choice.
Size And Capacity
The size of the feeder you require is a primary consideration. As a general guide, you should account for feeding 8 to 10 animals per cubic metre (m³). For instance, a 12m³ feeder will typically feed between 100 and 120 animals per mix. How many mixes you want to carry out or how your cattle are divided into groups will help determine the feeder size you need.
It’s essential to compare capacities accurately, as manufacturers often measure them in two ways: without augers and with augers. The latter is the machine’s actual mixing capacity, which tends to be about 1m³ less per auger. Once you’ve determined your required capacity, you can focus on other crucial aspects of the machine.
Want A Consistent Mix And Feed-Out Every Time?
Auger And Tub Design
The goal is to achieve a consistent, high-quality mix efficiently while preserving the nutritional value of the feed. The design of the tub and auger is vital to this. The material should flow effectively around the mixing area, aided by the auger, to create a uniform mix without over-processing. Excessive pressing, squeezing, or heating during the process can negatively affect the quality of the feed.
A well-designed diet feeder will also use less power, reducing operating costs. This can be particularly beneficial as energy efficiency becomes increasingly important in modern farming.
Reducing Mixing Time
If quicker mixing times are a priority, the Strautmann Vario² mixing auger sets new standards in fodder mixing technology. The Vario² auger features a stepped flight design, which promotes faster, more efficient, and consistent mixing. This design ensures the fodder is regularly loosened during the process, leading to quicker and easier mixing compared to traditional augers.
In tests conducted by Top Agrar, a leading German agricultural publication, the Vario² auger outperformed its competitors in speed, consistency, and power efficiency. The ability of the Vario² auger to deliver quick, consistent mixes can save valuable time and reduce costs.
Consistent Feed-Out Every Time
Once the mix is prepared, delivering it evenly to your livestock is essential. A well-designed discharge door ensures the fodder flows out uniformly, preventing uneven distribution at the feed barriers. In side-discharge machines, the positioning of the door is critical.
Strautmann’s asymmetrically positioned door openings ensure optimal feed-out by allowing the mixture to flow freely without needing to force it through the opening. This design prevents damage to the ration, ensuring the animals receive the feed in top condition.
A Feeder That Can Grow with Your Business
As cattle numbers grow, so do feeding requirements. Strautmann offers a patented top ring design that allows for easy capacity extensions after purchase. This feature enables the feeder to expand with your needs, providing flexibility as your herd size increases.
Selecting the right vertical diet feeder is a significant decision that can affect your farm’s productivity and operating costs. By considering factors such as size, mix consistency, and the potential for future expansion, you can ensure that you choose a feeder that best suits your farming needs.
Further Information
For more information, go to: www.iam.ie;
Additionally, you can contact Martin Owens on: +353 (0) 87-906-1920; or at: martin.owens@iam.ie; or Pat Kenny on: +44 (0) 749-3344-833; or at: pat.kenny@iam.ie
As featured on the AgriLand Website (https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/going-to-buy-a-vertical-diet-feeder-but-not-sure-which-one/)
To read more on the Strautmann range, follow the links below;
https://iam.lgroup.dev/news/strautmann-news/
Or to find the best Strautmann product for you
https://iam.lgroup.dev/products/strautmann/
Or to find your local dealer
https://iam.lgroup.dev/dealer-locator/