Investigation of mixing time and efficiency in horizontal and vertical screw type feed mixing machines with small capacity

The supply of feed materials, which constitutes a significant part of the cost in livestock enterprises, significantly affects the income of the enterprise. The use and preparation of quality feed is an important factor in reducing the costs of the enterprises and maintaining the continuity of production. In order to create a good ration in livestock enterprises, it is required that the feed raw materials have an effective mixture. Feed mixing machines are very important in creating TMR, providing effective piece size in a short time and ensuring homogeneity in the mixture. In this study, studies were carried out on 3 small volume feed mixers (YKM1, YKM2, YKM3). Straw and silage materials were mixed at mixing times of 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes, samples were taken from the feed wagons and the particle sizes of the feed materials were measured in all samples. Particle size distribution ratios and frequency distributions were determined in the samples. After mixing, homogeneity ratio of TMR feeds (straw + silage + mixed feed) was investigated. It was determined that the types of feed mixers and the mixing times applied in the trials had a significant effect on the particle size obtained (P<0.05). The mixing times examined were also found to be statistically significant (P<0.05) and each of them took place in separate groups. The highest homogeneity rate was 95.08% in YKM1, 82.88% in YKM2 and 63.42% in YKM3, respectively.