Mixing feed has advantages for both the farmer and livestock, as uniformly mixed feed components provide better nutrition, improved feed efficiency and cost, and the opportunity to reduce wastage.
In dry times, when much of the feed is purchased off farm with higher costs, wastage and efficiency are even more critical. Improved nutrition benefits milk yield or weight gain, and contributes to animal health and fertility.
Inlon’s Strautmann product manager Shane Ryan, said it was important to select a feed mixer that suited Australian conditions. He said the German-designed and built Strautmann Verti-Mix had been a proven performer in Australia for more than 28 years.
“Aussie farmers often paddock feed, yet many mixers are designed for the large European ‘barn-feeding’ market, which has less need for strong suspension or heavy duty tyres. Its large tyres and tandem sprung axle system are perfect for Australian paddock conditions.”
Another thing to consider is the power requirements and the speed of mixing
“Strautmann’s Vario mixing augers achieve more efficient and faster mixing of fodder,” Mr Ryan said.
“The unique stepped flight design gives fast low-horsepower mixing, saving both time and money. Tests comparing traditional pure smooth spiral augers with the stepped flight auger revealed considerably less power required with the new design.
“Speed and efficiency are important, but it must also thoroughly mix the components. From breaking up whole bales and cutting hay and straw, through to incorporating silage, grain, minerals and concentrates, the challenge is to create a uniform feed ration without over processing.”
The mixer also has a long operating life.
“The Verti-Mix stainless steel wear strips prevent auger wear that otherwise occurs, while the 8-millimetre wall thickness gives two to three times the life of the 5mm material often found in other brands,” Mr Ryan said.
“The 20mm steel floor is also designed for longer life. A robust gearbox gives durability through a large-sized pair of tapered roller bearings, double sealing, a large grease chamber, and oil bath for the planetary reductions, thus extending the maintenance intervals.”
Mr Ryan said feed mixer size depended on herd size, feed densities and quantities, as well as the number of feeding cycles per day.
“Some brands struggle to effectively mix with a full bowl of feed, while the Strautmann Vario mixes effectively using its full capacity. With sizes from 10.5 to 45 cubic metres, in single, twin and triple auger configurations, there is a Strautmann suitable for all applications.’
- Visit www.strautmann.com.au or call Inlon on 1800 772 407.