At Wenger Feeds, every phase of the production process is verified for accuracy and efficiency. The mixing process is no exception. Properly maintaining the mixer is achieved through a cooperative effort of the Mill Operator, Maintenance Department, and Quality Assurance Department.
The Mill Operator monitors the day-to-day operation of the mixer, immediately reporting any malfunctions. The Maintenance Department schedules regular preventative maintenance work on the mixer such as oil changes and lubrication along with inspection of the mixer tub, gates, and ribbon.
The Quality Assurance department is responsible for scheduling annual mixer tests to ensure that proper disbursement of the feed ingredients is taking place during the mixing process. The amount of time required to blend feed ingredients together and the total volume of ingredients that are permitted in the mixer at one time is determined by the manufacturer with information provided by the feed mill and then verified by the results of the mixer tests.
Modern mixers are set up to blend ingredients together in a short period of time. Ingredients that are allowed to stay in the mixer too long can actually become segregated. Also, if the mixer is over-filled or under-filled, proper blending cannot take place and the ingredients may become segregated.
In addition to the annual mixer tests, random test are conducted on feed samples for proper medication and vitamin levels along with tests for protein, calcium, phosphorus, and salt. If any results are found to be out of specification, they are investigated to discover the source of the problem and adjustments are made as required. Monitoring the performance of the mixer is just one of the steps taken to ensure that the feed is properly blended so each animal receives a balanced diet.
For more information on Wenger Feeds’ Quality Programs, contact your Account Leader.