 |
||||
|
||||
|
|
||||
Mixing - Boring But Crucial by Dr. David Porter Price This is a column I never really intended to write. At the urging and persuasion of a client, however, I have done it. The reason I never really intended to write about mixing, is because no one ever believes they have a problem. The fact is that while mixing is the number one problem in most feedyards, convincing the manager he has a problem is usually the second biggest problem. Mixing is so simple that most people not only overlook it, but consider it a triviality. When we're up to our ears in telephones, commodity markets, cost projections, etc., it's easy to overlook something as simple as letting augers go round and round. The really big feedyards, of course, are very much aware of the problem. That's why they usually have batch mixing equipment installed. The ration is mixed before it ever leaves the mill. Mixing is computer operated, eliminating reliance on the human element. But for most small to medium size feedlots, we must rely on the human. We must not only rely on the feed truck driver, but over the long haul, we must also rely on the manager. That is, feed truck drivers come and go, and just because we have a conscientious driver today, that does not mean we will have him (or her) tomorrow. It is the manager's responsibility to continually stress and admonish the need for proper mixing. But once again, when the telephone's ringing, the market is moving, customers and buyers are waiting, it is very easy to overlook something as mundane as mixing. Unfortunately, it usually takes a disaster to get their attention. Acidosis due to improper mixing of the roughage is one of the more common situations, although I've also seen death loss due to urea toxicity (improper mixing of the supplement), and bloat (inadequate mixing of fat and/or ionophores). The important thing to realize is that these types of problems are not chronic in nature. Everything can be going great, and then boom . . . someone gets sloppy. It only takes one time. However, chronic problems can occur. This usually involves what is known as "pattern feeding." Pattern feeding means that certain pens are fed in a set sequence every day. In that case, if mixing is inadequate the first and last pens will receive rations that are different with respect to the amount of supplement, roughage, fat/molasses, etc. Obviously, if cattle don't receive their full share of supplement, performance can be retarded. Subclinical acidosis and founder can occur in cattle that don't get their full roughage allotment. A similar situation known as parakaratosis (sloughing of the rumen papillae), and excessive liver abscess can also occur. The only outward sign of all this will be reduced consumption. However, at the other end of the alley, the cattle getting more than their share of roughage will have an excessively high consumption (and conversion). If the supplement is carrying an ionophore, erratic consumption can also be an indication that the supplement is not being thoroughly mixed. This is particularly true for Rumensin. Whenever cattle get over about 330 to 350 milligrams of Rumensin, intake declines significantly. As we approach or exceed 400 milligrams, consumption can plummet by as much as 30% (depending upon the roughage level in the ration). Obviously, this can be disastrous in terms of performance. So how long does mixing take? It depends upon the equipment. For most of the older 3 auger mixer boxes, it normally takes 5 full minutes at about 2000 RPM. For most of the newer 4 auger boxes, as well as the Rotomix box, 90 seconds will usually get the job done. But due to possible gearing differences in PTO shafts, it is always best to test and find out exactly what your equipment will do. I have heard of feedlots taking ration samples at various mixing times for analysis. A much quicker and more inexpensive way is to simply mix up some food coloring in a 5 gal. bucket. Set a timer and then see how long it takes the food color to be evenly distributed (be sure and note the truck or tractor RPM). As a cross-check, run another load at the same time interval, and take a ration sample for lab analysis from the first and last feed discharged. This is a procedure that should be repeated for each new feed truck driver. Dr. Porter Price has a subscription newsletter and several books for sale. For more information, call Feed*Lot Magazine at 800-798-9515. |
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
All information is copywrited by Feed Lot magazine and cannot be printed or re-printed
without the publishers express consent. Please contact
Feed Lot Magazine for reprint and copy authorization.
|
||||