TMR Mixers

Having been developed in the 50s, TMR, or Total Mixed Ration are chopped fodder and or silage that is mixed and blend with protein sources, cereals, or additives so as to provide livestock with balanced rations.

To achieve this balanced ration, we need a TMR mixer.

Which Total Mixed Ratio Feed mixer is best for you? Here are a few things to consider when selecting one.

1.??????What is the Capacity of the mixer and the number of your herd?

2.??????What Features you want to fit on the wagon?

3.??????What is the Dimensions of your shed/building?

These are the critical questions to ask yourself when looking for a feed mixer for your livestock, whether dairy or beef.

Capacity

Under this category, there are two critical aspects to be explored.

a.??????Size of your herd: the number of cattle you want to feed determines the size of the mixer to order. The specifications for the mixer are given in terms of the volume of the mixer wagon and the approximate number of cows that volume can feed.

b.??????Quantity of the total mixed ration ingredients: this is a critical factor in determining the capacity of the mixer wagon. If say your ration includes: hay, silage, and concentrates, what is the quantity of this ration? It helps determine the capacity of mixer you will order.?

Features you want fitted on the Mixer

The mixers can come fitted with numerous features according to how you want it customized or fitted to your use. There are many aspects to put into consideration in this category.

a.??????Feed delivery-direct side delivery, or cross section delivery.

b.??????Weighing system, electronic or manual.

c.??????Number of augers.

d.??????Straw blowing system or no straw blowing system.

e.??????The diameter of the hopper.

f.???????Supplied with anti-flowing ring or without a ring.

g.??????With additional knives or with standard auger knives.

h.??????Auger material: Hardened auger for longer-life or standard augers.

i.????????Manal or hydraulic adjustment of the counter-knives etc.

fig. 2 Parts that can be included or removed on a kuhn mixer

Dimensions of the Cow Shed

The dimensions of the cow shed will inform you of the dimensions of the mixer to purchase. Purchasing a mixer that fits well in the shed comes as a no-brainer. The diameter, height, wheel base, and length of the shed and the mixer are to be considered.

Fig 3. A TMR mixer in a cow shed

Purchase the best Mixer!

After doing the best analysis for the needs of your farm and the budget at hand, it is now time to go to the market and purchase the best mixer. The best mixer combines answers most of the questions you ask yourself under each category discussed in this article.