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FAQ’s

LEO Agriculture TMR Mixers: Frequently Asked Questions

 

Optimizing Milk Fat Content and Herd Health

  • Q: How can a TMR mixer impact milk fat content?
    • A: LEO Agriculture TMR Mixers promote optimal milk fat content through exceptional mixing uniformity and efficient processing of long forages.
      • Uneven Mixing: Poorly mixed TMRs can lead to areas with higher grain concentrations. Cows readily consume these areas, resulting in excessive grain intake and inadequate fiber from forages. This imbalance disrupts rumen health, causing sub-acute acidosis and ultimately, depressed milk fat production.
      • Improper Processing of Long Forage: If long forage particles (hay, straw, or silage) aren’t processed into a uniform size distribution, cattle can sort them out. This allows them to consume a diet with a higher concentrate-to-forage ratio than intended, again impacting rumen function and milk fat content.

LEO Agriculture Mixer Advantages

  • Q: What LEO Agriculture TMR mixer features contribute to optimal milk fat content?
    • A: Our innovative design elements ensure efficient mixing and proper long-forage processing:
      • Diamond-Cut Auger: Square-shaped augers knife configurations with strategically placed half blades effectively reduce long particles into a uniform mix that resists sorting during feeding. This ensures consistent nutrient intake throughout the herd.
      • Minimum Force, Maximum Efficiency: Our mixers achieve optimal processing with minimal force (horsepower) and processing time, minimizing potential forage damage. Preserving forage quality is crucial for maintaining rumen health and milk fat production.
      • Reduced Frictional Force: The auger flighting and Stainless Steel slide plate design minimize friction between feed and mixer surfaces. This protects medium-sized forage particles, which are vital for effective fiber digestion and sorting resistance.

TMR Mixer Maintenance and Best Practices

  • Q: How long should TMR mixer knives last?
    • A: Knife life expectancy depends on several factors:
      • Material: Steel knives dull and require frequent sharpening. Carbide-tipped knives are more resistant to wear but can chip and cannot be sharpened. Carbide-coated knives offer a good balance between wear resistance and self-sharpening capabilities.
      • Frequency of Use: More frequent mixing leads to faster wear.
      • Ingredients: Abrasive ingredients like chopped silage or sand in forages accelerate wear.
    • Recommendation: We recommend using carbide-coated knives for processing forages. Regularly inspect knives and replace them when dull or chipped to maintain optimal mixing performance. For vertical auger mixers, consider replacing a portion of the knives every 6 months for a machine making 2 mixes per day, focusing on those at the bottom (where most cutting occurs).

Additional Resources

  • Heat Stress and TMR Management: While TMR mixer performance doesn’t directly affect heat stress, poor mixing and inadequate processing can worsen its effects on rumen health and milk fat production. Refer to the LEO Agriculture Nutrition Library article “Heat Stress? Sharpen Focus on Summer Feeding” for strategies to combat heat stress through TMR formulation and management.

TMR Performance and Nutrition

Impact on Feed Intake and Milk Production:

How does TMR mixer performance influence feed intake and overall milk production?

  • A well-mixed TMR with consistent nutrient distribution encourages optimal feed intake. When cows consume a balanced diet, they are more likely to eat to their full potential, leading to increased milk production. Conversely, a poorly mixed TMR can result in uneven nutrient intake, leading to decreased feed consumption and reduced milk yield.  
    1. Feeding total mixed rations – University of Minnesota Extension
    Source icon
    extension.umn.edu

Reducing Sorting Behavior:

What strategies can farmers employ to reduce sorting behavior in cows, even with well-mixed TMR?

  • Particle Length Management: Ensure proper particle length distribution to minimize sorting.
  • Feed Push-Up Frequency: Frequent feed push-ups help to prevent feed separation and encourage even consumption.
  • Cow Grouping: Group cows with similar feed preferences together to reduce competition.
  • TMR Consistency: Maintain consistent TMR formulation and mixing to reduce variations that might encourage sorting.

Particle Length Management:

How can farmers effectively manage particle length in their TMR to optimize rumen health and milk production?

  • Monitor Particle Length Distribution: Regularly analyze particle length distribution to ensure it aligns with recommended guidelines for your herd.
  • Utilize Proper Cutting Equipment: Employ high-quality cutting equipment to achieve desired particle lengths.
  • Adjust Mixer Settings: Optimize mixer settings to process forages effectively and produce the desired particle size distribution.

TMR Consistency:

How can farmers ensure consistent TMR quality from batch to batch?

  • Calibrate Feed Ingredients: Accurately measure and weigh ingredients to maintain consistent formulation.
  • Regular Mixer Maintenance: Proper maintenance ensures optimal mixer performance and consistent mixing.
  • Monitor Mixer Wear: Regularly inspect mixer components for wear to prevent inconsistencies in mixing quality.

TMR Mixer Operation and Maintenance

Mixer Capacity:

How do I determine the appropriate size TMR mixer for my herd?

  • Herd Size: Consider your current and projected herd size.
  • Feeding Frequency: Determine how often you plan to feed your herd.
  • TMR Volume: Calculate the total volume of TMR required per feeding.
  • Mixer Efficiency: Evaluate the mixing capacity of different models.

Power Requirements:

What power requirements should I consider when installing a TMR mixer?

  • Mixer Capacity: Larger mixers typically require more power.
  • Motor Size: Ensure the mixer’s motor is adequately sized for the intended load.
  • Electrical Infrastructure: Verify your farm’s electrical system can handle the mixer’s power requirements.

Mixer Cleaning and Sanitation:

What are the best practices for cleaning and sanitizing a TMR mixer?

  • Regular Cleaning: Clean the mixer after each use to prevent residue buildup.
  • Sanitation: Use approved sanitizers to kill bacteria and prevent contamination.
  • Drying: Thoroughly dry the mixer to prevent mold growth.
  • Inspection: Regularly inspect the mixer for signs of wear or damage.

Common Mixer Issues:

What are some common TMR mixer problems and how can they be resolved?

  • Uneven Mixing: Check for worn blades, improper ingredient distribution, or overloading.
  • Overheating: Inspect the motor, check for blockages, and ensure proper ventilation.
  • Excessive Wear: Monitor mixer components for wear and replace as needed.
  • Calibration Issues: Regularly calibrate feed ingredients and mixer settings.

Economic Considerations

TMR Mixer ROI:

How can I calculate the return on investment for a new TMR mixer?

  • Cost Analysis: Determine the total cost of the mixer, including installation and maintenance.
  • Labor Savings: Estimate the reduction in labor costs with a TMR mixer.
  • Improved Feed Efficiency: Calculate potential increases in milk production or weight gain.
  • Reduced Feed Waste: Estimate the savings from reduced feed waste.
  • Compare Costs and Benefits: Analyze the total cost of ownership against the expected returns.

Cost-Benefit Analysis:

What are the key factors to consider when comparing different TMR mixer models?

  • Mixer Capacity: Ensure the mixer can handle your herd size and feeding requirements.
  • Power Requirements: Evaluate energy efficiency and operating costs.
  • Mixer Features: Consider options like horizontal or vertical design, mixing patterns, and control systems.
  • Maintenance Costs: Compare maintenance requirements and spare part availability.
  • Dealer Support: Assess the level of support provided by the manufacturer and dealer.

Energy Efficiency:

How can I maximize the energy efficiency of my TMR mixer?

  • Motor Efficiency: Choose a mixer with an energy-efficient motor.
  • Mixer Design: Opt for mixers with optimized mixing patterns to reduce energy consumption.
  • Regular Maintenance: Proper maintenance ensures optimal mixer performance and energy efficiency.
  • Load Management: Avoid overloading the mixer to prevent excessive energy use.

Would you like to delve deeper into any of these topics, or do you have specific questions about LEO Agriculture TMR mixers?

Helpful Links

American Feed Industry Association
Animal Nutrition Association of Canada
Cattle Network
Dairy Herd Management
FeedAssure
Feedstuffs Magazine
Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy
Manufactures Health & Safety
Ohio Farm Science Review
OMAFRA
Ontario Cattle Feeders Association
Penn State University
The North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge
University of Guelph
University of Idaho, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture