Mixer-feed distributor (mixer-feed distributor, feed mixer) is an agricultural machine used for grinding, mixing and subsequent distribution of feed for cattle. There are two main types of such machines - horizontal and vertical. Machines vary in hopper volume - usually from 9 to 16 m³, the number of screws, the presence of a loading mill, etc.
Mostly trailed feed mixer are used, which receive energy from the tractor through the power take-off shaft , but self-propelled versions of these machines can also be used on large farms.
The cutting screws located in the hopper are thoroughly crushed and the feed ingredients are mixed until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Then the resulting feed is unloaded using a conveyor to the feed table for feeding animals.
One of the most important elements of these machines is the weight system. If in the simplest and most demanding models the weighing system is just electronic scales, then in more complex machines it can be a computer system with a large screen that can store dozens of different rations and is equipped with a printer and flash memory cards .
Using a mixer-feeder on the farm can improve the quality of animal nutrition and reduce labor costs.