For any livestock farmer, profitability does not necessarily begin in the kraal, feedlot, dairy or pasture … it starts with feed. Feed often represents the single largest expense on a livestock farm, and therefore every kilogram must be utilised optimally.
At NAMPO this year, Drotsky once again showcased their well-known range of hammer mills, feed mixers and pellet machines to farmers. This again drew attention to one of the most important, yet often underestimated processes in livestock production: feed milling.
For more than 60 years, Drotsky has been helping livestock farmers process their own feed and formulate and mix rations more efficiently. While many farmers understand the value of good feed content, the role of the milling process is often underestimated.
Why is feed milled and mixed?
The primary purpose of feed milling and mixing is to make feed more digestible. When maize, sorghum, lucerne or other feed ingredients are processed through a hammer mill, the particles become smaller and more uniform.
This allows animals to utilise nutrients more effectively, meaning that more energy and protein can be extracted from the same quantity of feed. For the farmer, this translates into improved feed conversion, increased energy levels, weight gain and ultimately better profitability.
The impact of particle size on animal performance
Few people realise how significant the impact of particle size can be on animal performance.
When feed is milled too coarsely, nutrients may be utilised less efficiently. If it’s milled too finely, it can create other challenges such as increased dust formation or digestive issues.
The key lies in finding the right balance. This is why the design and performance of a hammer mill play such a crucial role in the quality of the final ration.
A uniform product ensures that animals cannot selectively eat certain ingredients while leaving others behind, helping to reduce waste and ensure more consistent nutrient intake.
Feed milling saves time and money
When material is already milled to the correct particle size, mixers work faster and more effectively. This reduces processing time, lowers energy consumption and increases the capacity of the feed production system.
Many farmers who produce their own feed use hammer mills as the first step before mixing or pelleting. The better the milling process, the smoother the rest of the production chain runs.
The key to quality feed pellets
Feed milling also plays a critical role in pelleting. For strong, durable feed pellets, consistent particle size is essential. When feed ingredients are processed unevenly, pellets can break easily, create more dust and increase feed losses.
This is one of the reasons why demand for pellet machines and integrated feed production systems has increased over the past few years. An increasing number of farmers want to take control of their own feed quality and production costs.
Protecting feed and equipment
An interesting technology used in many modern hammer mills today is magnetic protection systems.
These systems capture metal objects such as nails, pieces of wire and other metal fragments before they can damage the machine or end up in the final feed product. This not only protects the equipment but also contributes to better feed quality and greater peace of mind for farmers.
Although it may seem like a simple addition, it can save farmers thousands in repairs and downtime.
The magnetic plate that captures steel material and particles from the feed.
More than just equipment
For Drotsky, it’s not only about manufacturing machines. Since 1962, they have been producing equipment in South Africa and place strong emphasis on after-sales service, technical support and the availability of spare parts for farmers. For any livestock farmer, downtime during a busy production season is simply not an option.
That’s why the availability of parts and expert support is often just as important as the initial purchase of equipment.
Drotsky also offers repair and upgrade services, meaning that existing equipment can often be refurbished and modernised to deliver many more years of service.
A long-term investment
As feed costs rise and profit margins come under pressure, every saving becomes important. Efficient feed milling helps to improve nutrient utilisation, reduce waste, enhance ration quality and support better and increased animal performance. This is why hammer mills remain one of the most essential tools in modern livestock production.
With more than six decades of experience in the design and manufacturing of feed processing equipment, Drotsky understands the challenges livestock farmers face daily and continues to focus on solutions that add value for the farmer, from the initial milling process to the final feed product.
For any enquiries, contact Drotsky at 011-864-1601 or send an email to alomia@drotsky.co.za
