Understand feeding automation systems that streamline the feeding process by understanding how they are utilized and whether automation is fully or partially utilized.
Feed costs account for nearly 50% of the total operating budget on a dairy farm. The ability to reduce feed shrink is likely the biggest opportunity to reduce feed costs. Utilizing automation technology in the feed center can improve the traceability of ingredients and products, and most importantly, can help reduce feed shrink and waste.
Bins
Typically, the lowest inclusion ingredients are those that are the most expensive. Storing these high-cost ingredients in bins reduces the shrink associated with weather and other outside factors. In addition, the combination of flat storage and bin automation can increase the efficiency and consistency of the ration. Automation of the feed bins can be achieved through the implementation of an automatic batching system. Multiple feed bins are positioned over a mixer or a weigh box, and through process automation and feed formulation set, the measuring of each ingredient is controlled via a computer. With a fully automated system, the next batch can be prepared while the previous batch is being mixed in a properly managed system.
Batching and Computer Systems
Several companies can assist with implementing automation. Here are a few companies that can assist with your automation needs:
Dairies to Evaluate
Please review the virtual tours for Farms 3 and 4 (included below) to get further information on automation technology.
Bin Setup
This example farm has 6, 52-ton (47 metric ton) bins for dry commodity storage. Dry commodities and liquids are transferred into the commodity shed and unloaded near the back of the mixer to avoid getting hit by the loader when loading forages. They use 10” (25 cm) augers and the farm has incorporated the Easy Automation system into their feed center to further automate their feeding process. This system automatically adds correct weights from their feeding software (EZ-feed) for automated commodity loading. The program works off the TMR mixer scale head so only one ingredient can be added at a time to get accurate weights. This type of automation system can be set up to integrate with other feeding programs dependent on if the program is willing to interface. It also tracks the remaining inventory left in the bins.
Grain Unloading System
In addition to the bin set-up, the farm has a drive-over unloading pit that is augured to bins. This allows for delivery with no disruption to the feed center. Corn is dried and stored on site and can then be directed to the roller grinder to be processed and added to bins as needed through legs.
Roller Grinder
The farm has an IFA roller grinder system. This system is more costly than a hammer mill at around $40,000 USD. The advantage of this system is that it produces an excellent particle size, typically less than 500 microns and generally with less deviation. There is also more throughput than a hammer mill, at processing speeds of 8 tons/hr. Roller grinders can run rollers at variable speeds versus a roller mill where rollers run at the same speed. Overall, the roller grinder produces a high quality and consistent product.
Automation Handout
Information on this website was compiled by GPS Dairy Consulting as part of their FeedFIT program. Company links and mentions do not indicate endorsement by The Dairyland Initiative, the University of Wisconsin, or GPS Dairy Consulting. They have been included for informational purposes only.