New paddle mixer range increases efficiencies for cattle farmers

13/03/2012

Technology in machinery maintains healthy digestion and farming efficiency.

Redrock Machinery is rolling out its range of recently redeveloped paddle mixers which incorporate a redesigned mixing rotor. The range is proving popular with the beef and dairy sectors thanks to its mixing and cutting system, which optimises mix and fibre length, ensuring maximum rumen efficiency and health.

“The technology used within our range of paddle mixers ensures forages are cut to the prime length required for digestion and are then thoroughly mixed with grains, protein supplements, vitamins and minerals. This means that the cow will not select out individual ingredients and will properly digest the essential, albeit less tasty, roughage,” Frank Flynn, Managing Director of Redrock explains.

“The system can allow for greater accuracy at farm level”, Frank continues. “The new design utilises two sets of knives and this innovation is particularly beneficial when long fibre such as big bale silage, straw or hay is being incorporated. Farmers are using the equipment to ensure they feed exactly the recommended amounts of nutrients to animals at a particular stage of lactation or level of milk yield. For example, grain mixtures can be liberally fed to grouped high producers, without over feeding the late-lactation or lower-yielding cows.

“Overall this results in the more efficient use of feeds and ultimately creates savings for the farmers as they cut back on the more expensive ration ingredients without compromising yield.”

An agreement was recently reached between Redrock Machinery Ltd (Redrock) and Richard Keenan & Co. Ltd, following an injunction issued on Redrock by Richard Keenan & Co Ltd in September 2011.

The cutting mechanism feature within the Redrock paddle mixer, which was identified as subject to patent infringement, was subsequently amended and further developed by Redrock.

Frank comments, “We are glad to have settled this situation and the Redrock paddle feeder is now even more effective.”

Redrock, which is based in Northern Ireland and supplies farming machinery across the UK, Ireland and throughout Europe, came under new ownership in 2010 and has been growing market share across these key markets ever since.