Feeder for cattle: varieties and rules for use on farms

Modern cattle feeder is a functional technique that reduces labor costs and saves feed for livestock. The equipment is aimed at the correct and uniform distribution of mixtures in accordance with zootechnical standards and requirements. The unit grinds, mixes feed. There is fixed and mobile equipment.

Purpose and principle of operation of the mechanism

The dispenser is designed not only to distribute food to livestock, but also to receive, deliver, mix ingredients in a given ratio. They are effective for dry, succulent as well as liquid feeds.

The technical device doses the feed mixture into the feeders, moving along the rows and unloading on both sides. There are a number of requirements for automated feeders:

• keep feed clean;
• strict dose tracking;
• feed at a certain time;
• exact proportions and homogeneity after mixing;
• safety for livestock and staff.

Feed is loaded in bales into the bunker of a mobile distributor, where the process of grinding and mixing takes place Such a mechanism is necessary for a large farm. For small farms, stationary devices are used, for larger ones, mobile ones.

The principle of operation and maintenance of equipment do not cause difficulties. Feed is loaded into a special container, in strict accordance with the norm.This is possible with dispensers. Further the received mix gets on the conveyor or at once in troughs. The conveyor is looped, so the distribution is over, as soon as the first scraper, having captured the mixture, will rotate in a circle. The drive will then automatically shut down.

As a mobile mechanism, if we talk about mobile distributors, they use small trucks or low-power tractors.

Advantages and disadvantages of application

The main advantages of mechanical distributors are that with their help the farmer controls the consumption of feed. This mechanism allows you to increase the income of the enterprise, reducing maintenance costs. Other advantages of the mechanism are as follows:

• temperature control of feed and mixtures supplied;
• transportation of feed mixtures and loading into feeders;
• grinding, homogenous mixing and other types of feed preparation before serving;
• self-loading with mobile bucket;
• electronic weighing, accurate dosing of food served.

Thus, automatic feeders significantly reduce the cost of the products obtained and facilitate working conditions.

There are no flaws in the units, however, individual models may not meet the farmer's expectations, since each has different specifications and capabilities. Before choosing a mechanism, you should familiarize yourself with the types and classification of equipment.

Classification of feeders

Mobile dispenser in operation

Today manufacturers of agricultural machinery are ready to offer a wide range of various units. They differ in carrying capacity, ways of moving and dispensing.

By way of moving

Feeders are divided into two groups: mobile and stationary. The mobile unit is a self-propelled machine with an electric drive. She moves around the farm on her own and delivers feed to each feeder.

More often used for dry food, but some models can also cope with liquid mixtures. Mobile units are especially convenient in large complexes.

Stationary types of feeders are installed in the room where the animals are kept. They are arranged in the form of feeders with a conveyor. The automatic line mixes, grinds the feed, and then doses it out of the hopper.

Fixed devices are divided into the following types:

• scraper - equipped with a chain-scraper mechanism;
• tape - move with a roller tape;
• platform - feed is served by a conveyor;
• cable-washer - feed mixtures are delivered to the feeders by a cable with washers attached to it.

Stationary mechanisms are used in any type of premises where it is difficult to use other equipment due to narrow passages.

By hand type

Equipment is distinguished by the type of supply of mixtures. Some models dispense feed from one side of the stalls, some mechanisms can dispense food from both sides of the feeders (single or double sided dispenser).

By load capacity

Load capacity determines how much weight the dispenser can lift and deliver. Such a classification is especially indicative of mobile mechanisms. It depends on the axles of the tractor, as well as on the carrying capacity of the chassis of the vehicles where the feeder is located.

Average carrying capacity: from 1.1 to 3 tons - for single-axle mechanisms, from 3.5 to 4 tons - for equipment with a pair of axles. You need to choose a device based on the needs of the livestock complex.

The best feeders for cattle farms

Drawing of mobile equipment KTU-10

When choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to the following technical characteristics and parameters of mechanisms:

• hopper capacity - it will show how much feed the dispenser can distribute in one load;
• the most important characteristic is the dimensions, if it is not taken into account, it will be difficult for mobile devices to enter some premises;
• magnetic catcher to prevent metal parts from getting into food;
• self-loading and electronic weighing system;
• Augers affecting mixing, grinding and feeding performance.

Before buying, you should carefully check the technical condition of the unit.

Stationary

Stationary model

The most popular models include:

1. KRS-15. This model is a conveyor distributor with a horizontal open type. Belongs to the scraper type. The conveyor is equipped with two distributing channels and runs along the bottom of the feeders. The start of the device begins with the operation of the electric motor. First, the feed is fed behind the fence, then it is distributed by scrapers. Disengagement of the drive is carried out spontaneously when the scraper completes a revolution.
2. TVK-80B. The technique is ideal for dry and solid feed. It is based on a tape mechanism that resembles a closed ring. It is driven by a motor. From the bunker, feed mixtures are fed in equal shares to the feeders, then the mechanism is turned off.
3. RK-50. The mechanism is equipped with a belt conveyor, which is located above the feeder. The model has two options - for a livestock complex for 100 and 200 individuals. The basis of the feeder is a control unit, an inclined and transverse conveyor, as well as a pair of distributors. The length of the feeding object is about 75 m, with a capacity of 3-30 tons per hour.

Comparison table of stationary models

When choosing a stationary model, it is important to consider productivity, number of heads, length of the feeding area.

Model	Number of goals	Feeding area length	Performance	Engine power	Mass
KRS-15	180	40 m	15 t/h	5.5 kW	1540 kg
TVK-80B	65	74 m	38 t/h	5.5 kW	3300 kg
RK-50	up to 200	75 m	3-30	9.7 kW	5400 kg

Mobile

Supply mixtures by mobile unit

Among mobile units, the most interesting and functional are the following:

1. KTU-10. The model of the feeder deserves attention, but it should be noted right away that it cannot work in narrow spaces due to the small turning area of the equipment.The unit can be driven on a tractor trailer. It is equipped with several beaters, unloading and cross conveyor. The speed at which food is fed into the feeders directly depends on the speed of the machine.
2. ISRK-12. The feeder is designed for large farms and has a wide range of functions. Loading can be done in rolls, without sorting through the feed in advance. Special additives fall asleep in a separate window. At the time of operation of the machine, the feed is crushed, as well as thorough mixing. The model is equipped with a two-stage gearbox with 4 screw speeds and a remote control panel from the cab. An additional function is an electronic weighing system for ingredients and memory for dozens of recipes from different components.
3. PMM-5.0. This model is considered small-sized, because it is convenient to use in narrow spaces. The feeder is adapted to work with different modifications of the tractor "Belarus" and other equipment. Refers to multifunctional single axis models.

Machines can be used even more efficiently as manufacturers are more accommodating and can tailor models to specific farm conditions.

Model	Bunker capacity	Feed rate	Performance	Power engine	Mass
KTU-10	10 m3	3-25kg/m	50 t/h	7.5	2200 kg
ISRK-12	12 m3	15-150kg/m	7.8 t/h	5,3	4500 kg
PMM-5.0	5 m3	1-16 kg/m	3-38 t/h	6	1370 kg

Comparison table of mobile feeders

Farmers are very popular with automatic feeders with mixers, which quickly deliver feed mixtures to animal feeders, having previously prepared them. Feed mixers offered by Intermix to farmers are well suited for these purposes. The equipment is able to work with all types of feed for cows - grass and silage, grain crops, root crops and granulated feed of various fractions.

Models are diverse, have different modifications, and, accordingly, characteristics:

Terms of Use

Before starting work, the technician should be checked for malfunctions, breakdowns, and you should also make sure that the grounding and safety fences are reliable.

Before you load the feed, you need to check the unit at idle.

Further maintenance should consist of periodic lubrication, checking the condition of mechanisms and assemblies. Regardless of the dispenser model, it is important to regularly clean out feed residue and dirt on cattle farms.

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