LOW rainfall seasons have proved the value of processing fodder to maximise supplementary feeding.
Not only is waste largely eliminated but feed can be enhanced with the addition of grain and molasses and other nutritious proprietary additives.
With the advent of improved seasonal conditions, by processing hay and silage and adding grain many stud breeders and beef producers are proving the value of vertical mixers for topping up their livestock.
Dairy farmers have suffered severely with the fall in prices and are able to maintain profits by increased production.
Albert Freeman of Eastern Spreaders said: "Simply throwing hay out to livestock is a wasteful method of feeding".
"Up to 40 per cent of the fodder may be destroyed by trampling or fouling with manure," he said.
"Even straw or other roughage can be made palatable and nutritious by processing in a feed mixer and adding molasses or other available additives and cracked grain."
Cutting feed to a uniform length prevents the animals from selecting the tasty morsels like grain rich heads and leaving the straws.
Eastern Spreaders began importing NDE vertical cutter and mixer feeders in 2000 and is the Australian distributor for these efficient machines which have been well received both in dairy and feedlot situations.
NDE feed mixers, made in Canada, have a quick cutting and efficient mixing ability and come in sizes from 11m3 in single auger configuration (capacity from one to two large bales of fodder plus grain) to 42m3 for the large triple auger machines for the large dairy farmer or feedlot.
Features of the NDE mixers are long lasting, patented curved carbide-insert knives, fast cutting and mixing and complete emptying of feed into troughs or feeders.
There is no residue to contaminate the following batch.
Low cost maintenance is also a feature of NDE.
With the increasing demand for machines that could deliver into self-feeders, NDE developed a range of side door models ranging from 10m3 to 22m3 with factory fitted discharge elevators from 0.9 metres to 2.7m. These can be set at any discharge height from 1m to 2.5m.
NDE vertical mixers can be ordered with two side doors with a discharge elevator on either the left or right hand side.
Both the lifting and driving of the elevator are operated from the tractor remotes.
All models will accept the largest round or square bale and process it quickly, while some models will hold up to six large bales as well as grain and concentrates.
All NDE machines are fitted with Weightronix weighing systems with bold type monitors.
A recent addition to Eastern Spreaders' range of equipment is the Keltec bale slice which easily slices bales from the bottom when loading into bale feeders or mixers and holds and removes the wrap to avoid contamination of the feed.
p More information: Phone Eastern Spreaders on (03) 5450 3077 or 0418 509 603.
