WIN AN £18,000 FEEDER
WIN AN £18,000 FEEDER
WITH more focus being placed on the flexibility and quality of livestock diets, increasing numbers of farmers are evaluating their feeding methods and the machinery used to mix their rations.
Being in control is one of the most frequently heard comments when farmers explain why they choose to combine straights on farm using a mixer feeder. Being in a position to take advantage of lower cost alternatives according to changes in the cost and supply of ingredients is also a bonus with this type of feeding.
One of the most noticeable changes in the feeding of modern dairy herds is a move towards the inclusion of baled silage, which is frequently chopped and incorporated into complete diets using a mixer feeder wagon.
This change has come about because of three factors – the desire for greater feeding flexibility, the need to supplement low forage levels at the end of frequently long winters, and the greater availability of high density, efficient to transport square and chopped round bale silage.
A provider of complete feeding solutions, Kvernelands Kidd factory in Devizes has been producing feeding machinery since the 1960s, and today manufactures and supplies the widest range of diet feeders available in the UK through a nationwide dealer network. The service Kverneland dealers provide is local, reliable and available throughout the year, supported by extensive UK held parts stocks.
Kverneland has introduced a number of new machines to accommodate the needs of livestock farmers adapting to current changes.
For farmers looking for a low- cost paddle mixer feeder, the new KD 400 series machines offer cost- effective mixing of all feed types, but with several advantages over conventional paddle mixers.
The secret lies in the use of an exposed side auger that runs along the entire length of the feeder tub. A patented feature of the KD 400 paddle/auger mixer feeder is its ability to circulate material and thoroughly mix from the front to the rear of the machine. The special mixing action is achieved by moving the material rearwards with the action of the scrolled paddle, and then moving it forwards via the exposed side auger.
This system has the added advantage of increasing the mixing capacity of the machine, as the auger area becomes usable mixing volume. The auger mixing action also prevents the formation of unpalatable lumps in the mix.
To handle whole bales of silage, the KD 600-2 auger feeder employs two heavy duty contra-rotating augers fitted along their entire length with square section knives, working against a centrally mounted, serrated counter knife to cut and mix the long fibre in the bales.
With four models offering mixing capacities of 8.5, 10.5, 12 and 14m3, the KD 600-2 will produce a high quality mixed ration from any type of feed, in any format.
The KD 500 four auger diet feeder represents the ultimate in mixing performance. Its four augers circulate the feed ingredients through a complete fore and aft, and side to side mixing cycle to produce a thorough, homogeneous mix. A rear access hatch allows small quantities of fine ingredients such as minerals to be introduced to the ration with ease – the augers ensuring that even very small inclusion rates are thoroughly distributed throughout every mouthful of the feed.
Whatever types of feed you want to include in your rations, a KD 700 vertical auger diet feeder will incorporate them. Round bales, square bales, clamp silage – nothing is a problem for the specially shaped single auger to chop, mix and blend each ingredient into a finely balanced, homogeneous mix.
All KD 700 series diet feeders are equipped with integral steps and an inspection platform allowing hand loading access at the front of the machine, making it easy to add small quantities of minerals and vitamins.
A three point supported weighing system guarantees accurate ration formulation. Feed is discharged by a hydraulically driven, variable speed chain and slat conveyor with either side discharge capability, and the conveyor is made from stainless steel for durability and long life expectancy.
All models in the range are constructed with a Cor-Ten corrosion resistant steel tub, which is lined with thick plastic Ultra-Glide liner to give even more corrosion resistance, and provide a smooth, low friction surface to aid mixing and lower power requirement.
Kverneland diet feeder competition
Name ….
Business name ….
Address ….
Post code Tel no ….
Number of cows milked Number of beef animals kept ….
Current feeder/diet feeder:
Make Model Year ….
Please select one answer to each question.
Question 1: Which features of the KD 400 paddle/auger mixer feeders improve the quality of the mix compared to conventional paddle mixers?
A: Ultra-Glide tub liner o B: scrolled paddle and exposed auger o
C: left-hand side mounted discharge chute o
Question 2: What feature of the KD 600-2 feeders enables them to handle whole bales?
A: Ultra-Glide liner o B: Cor-Ten steel tub o
C: Two knife-covered augers and a serrated counter knife o
Question 3: What do the four augers fitted to the KD 500 diet feeders help to achieve during the mixing process?
A:fore and aft, and side to side mixing oB: fast emptying o
C: low power requirement o
Question 4: Which type of feed can be mixed in a KD 700 vertical auger diet feeder?
A: all feed types o B: bales only o
C: loose ingredients only o
Usual farmers weekly rules apply. Rules available on request from the address below. There is only one correct answer for each question. Please tick the correct answer and fill in the details. Send this form to farmers weekly /Kverneland Competition, farmers weekly, Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS, or post it in the competition box on the farmers weekly stand at the European Dairy Farming Event. Closing date is Sept 24.