Trend on the rise
Mixing yourself: control over feed costs and rations
A large part of the dairy farmers has a longstanding relationship with their compound feed supplier and cherishes it. However, mixing feed raw materials yourself is an emerging trend. How does self-mixing work in practice?
Dairy farmers have traditionally been loyal to their compound feed supplier. The feed manufacturer supplies more than just a standard kibble. Knowledge, information and guidance are important. However, the feed price at a compound feed manufacturer is often a given. To get a better grip on feed costs, more and more dairy farmers are switching to mixing themselves.
Trend on the rise
Mixing feed raw materials yourself is an emerging trend. Not only in dairy farming, but also in poultry and pig farming. Self-mixing is often done in order to be able to manage quality and cost. After all, feed is an important cost item and determines the liters and the fat and protein contents.
Within self-mixing, a distinction can be made between a total mixed ration (TMR) and a partially mixed ration (PMR). With a PMR system, concentrates are added separately. Companies with a milking robot use this system because concentrates are needed as bait feed. "A milking robot is the savior of the compound feed industry", it is therefore sometimes said.
The benefits
A major advantage is that dairy farmers can adjust the ration to their own needs. This requires knowledge about all aspects of nutrition: from raw material composition to market prices. Self-mixers have more influence on the feed price. The biggest advantage can be gained from the purchase of raw materials. In doing so, the trade-off can be made between purchasing on the basis of current prices or pre-purchase.
When the ideal composition has been composed, the ration should move along with the fluctuating raw material prices; otherwise the composition may calculate unfavorably. The season may also require a different feed composition.
When can it be out?
The advantages of mixing yourself also come with a cost: the purchase of, for example, a feed mixer. The infrastructure of a company is also decisive. In an ideal scenario, the feed kitchen is implemented in new construction. However, this is not necessary.
It is important that there is sufficient storage space for the (wet) raw materials. According to Berg Fourage from Doornspijk, supplier of loose raw materials, the size of the storage space determines the purchasing advantage. A precondition is that a supplier can deliver full loads.
Excessive stocks can limit the flexibility of the ration. There is also a risk of fungal contamination. A storage space can easily be created with concrete retaining walls and a roof.
Substantial investment
In practice, a choice can be made between an automated and a trailed mixer feeder. The investment costs between the two systems vary greatly. Both lease and purchase are financing options. Lease is attractive, because then no collateral is required.
In practice it appears that some dairy farmers pay tuition fees. Both human and technical errors can be made when mixing. In the event of an incorrect feed composition, the risk cannot be recovered from the feed supplier. After all, a dairy farmer is responsible himself.
Developments in dairy farming will determine to what extent self-mixing is implemented. Due to the uncertain phosphate file, development on many dairy farms has come to a standstill. When the uncertainty ends and the increase in scale continues, the number of self-mixers will probably increase.
This article is a shortened version of the recently published article about mixing yourself in 'Zuivelmarkt De Analyze 2017'. Click here to still receive the magazine.
Wouter Job
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