SELFLINE FEEDERS GET NIR CAPABILITY DryScan is the development of NIR (Near Infra-Red) sensing for Siloking SelfLine self-propelled feeders, enabling real-time processing of dry matter content of silage, during the loading cycle.
Fitted to the milling head and integrated into Siloking’s feed management software, DryScan further improves the consistency of ration quality, by assessing and responding to variations in silage dry matter across the clamp face. “Dry matter variations in silage can have quite an impact on ration stability,” explains Kverneland feeding specialist David Perry. “The ability to sense dry matter values at the milling head and adjust the fresh matter
consistent ration than solely relying on fresh weight. With this technology, there’s far less risk of upsetting a cow’s digestion, which means greater stability with in milk production.” Additional developments can be found on TrailedLine models, and include the introduction of an electro-hydraulic control system called Basic Control, and greater advances in VarioSpeed’s functionality. “Introducing an overlap on speed ranges along with auger speed
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selection and mixing time duration for individual feed components has boosted feeding efficiency,” adds David Perry. “During loading, the augers will automatically start and stop, and
run for a pre-determined time and at different speeds to suit each ingredient’s need for mixing and chopping. This process has been proven to reduce tractor fuel consumption by up to 15%.”
intake to compensate, is producing a much more
EFFICIENT MIXING CREATES TIME With the development of an all-new dairy unit capable of hosting 300 cows and up to six robot milking machines, SP Robinson & Son invested in a twin auger, 20 cubic metre Siloking 4.0 trailed feeder, supplied by Battlefield Machinery.
“It’ll go into every building we need, but without compromising on tub capacity,” says James. Having tried several different models, the Robinsons – brothers James and Henry, along with dad Richard – settled on a Siloking 4.0 for its robust build quality and the ability to create a consistent, fluffy ration in a quick and efficient manner. “We’ve now halved the number of mixes needed every day and are saving a lot of time while keeping the cows well fed,” explains James. “Rations are of consistent quality and emptying is quick through the use of an HD door.” He says that choosing Silonox for the auger edges has created a high-calibre mixer wagon that should stand the test of time. And his brother Henry reckons the Siloking is also very good at pre-chopping straw - an essential
component for use in dry cow mixes.
“It’s a very impressive feeder, and has easily handled all that we’ve thrown at it,” explains Henry. “With its weight carried on two axles, we also don’t need to tie-up a big tractor every day - 115hp is enough to power the augers.” With plans to increase the Phildor herd from 250 up to 300 cows in-milk, and add a sixth robot to the unit, having some spare feeding capacity was also an essential part of the buying process. “We’re nowhere near maxed out preparing four different mixes in the morning, and one in the afternoon,” adds Henry. “Feeding up to 16 tonnes every day, it’s comfortably on top of the job, and saves us a lot of time every day of the year.”
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machine size was also a key consideration.” Battlefield’s ability to precisely specify the feeder to suit the farm’s requirements saw the tub height reduced by 50cm, and smaller wheels and tyres were fitted.
“We needed to boost capacity and improve efficiency when feeding our cows and followers,” explains James Robinson, pictured with his brother Henry from the family-run 850-acre Petsey Farm. “But with some traditional buildings still in use, physical
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