A scale system is an integral part of any TMR mixer. Without the ability to accurately weigh and measure the individual ingredients that comprise a ration, one cannot expect consistent milk production and gains on replacement heifers or an optimum rate of gain on fed steers.
Weighing is the most basic of scale functions; many systems now offer an array of options, including basic batching, PC compatible batching, USB and wireless data transfer, and feed management software compatibilities. In addition, there are plenty of options available in hardware – wireless remote indicators, large stadium display indicators and signal transmitters.
Choosing the right scale system
Choosing the right scale system for your operation begins with knowing what your expectations are. Discuss with your farm equipment salesperson what system you are currently using and what management features you would like to have available on your new or current mixer.
Most mixers can be upgraded by changing the scale head and/or adding components to build the system you desire. For example, adding a large stadium display may require the purchase of only the display and the lead wires back to the scale head. Other options, such as wireless indicators, can require an upgrade to a scale head with wireless transmitting capability.
Feed management software
The ability to gather, store and transfer data is gaining popularity. Feed management software programs can provide information such as accurate loading of ration ingredients, time when certain pens are fed, refusal/weigh-back amounts per pen, and management of both purchased and home-grown feedstuffs.
Data transfer from the scale system to the office computer is possible through the use of removable flash drives. Some systems offer wireless transfer of data through cloud-based storage providers. Feed management software is available in “versions”; these versions provide varying amounts of data based on the needs of the producer.
Make sure you know what data will be available to avoid purchasing a program that provides too little or too much information. Most feed management programs can provide data in Excel format. This will allow you to create charts, graphs and reports to make useful assessment of the data.
Managing your scale system
Managing a scale system depends greatly on the complexity of the system. Basic weighing systems are limited to weigh bars, wiring, a junction box for the weigh bars, scale head and power supply cable. Make sure scale heads stay sealed and dry internally. Check power supply cables and wires between the weigh bars and junction box to be sure they are watertight and free from pinch points.
The more complex scale systems, especially those with feed management software, often have support directly from the software provider. Updates to software may be required from time to time and can be loaded either via the USB drive or transmitted wirelessly through a Wi-Fi connection.
Technology offers a wide array of products for producers to improve the performance and productivity of their herd. Learn what is available, and decide what options make the most sense for your operation. Some producers are very data-savvy; that is, they readily accept and make good use of the information provided to them. Other producers are focused on increasing the ease and efficiency of the loading and feeding process; these producers may be more interested in hardware and tools that help to make these tasks easier and more efficient. PD
Troy Moen is a product specialist with Kuhn North America.
PHOTOS
Photos provided by Kuhn North America.
