Examination of the operating performance of horizontal and vertical feed mixing machines in an example farm

Objective: In this study, the performance of horizontal and vertical auger feed mixing machines was compared by examining the size and weight distributions of feed samples collected from these machines. Consequently, the feed preparation capacity and quality of the machines were evaluated, providing insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of both types of machines. Material and Methods: In the study, horizontal and vertical auger feed mixing machines and feed samples obtained from a livestock enterprise were used as materials. During the experiments, the size analysis and weights of the feeds were measured using a caliper, a precision balance, and a sieve system. As a result of the measurements, the size analysis of the feeds obtained from both machines was performed, and the values were determined. Based on the obtained values, the weight and size of the feed samples were individually measured and weighed in a laboratory environment, and the tests were conducted accordingly. Results: In the experiments, the performance of horizontal and vertical auger feed mixing machines was determined by comparing the particle sizes in different layers of the sieve and the weight distributions in these layers. Conclusions: According to the results obtained, horizontal feed mixers have resulted in more homogeneous and better grinding of the feeds. It was found that horizontal mixers are more suitable for the types of feed used in the trial. On the other hand, vertical feed mixers performed better in grinding certain types of feed (such as sugar beet pulp and barley), but they showed a lower tendency to break larger particles.