Root crops such as stubble turnips, stock grade potatoes or carrots can be an ideal, low-cost source of livestock nutrition. However, using crops such as these and achieving even distribution throughout a complete diet mix can be difficult.
To overcome this problem, Hi-Spec Engineering has developed the Super Chopper. Compatible with all models in both its vertical auger and MixMax paddle-type diet feeder range, the Super Chopper enables root crops to be quickly and easily cut down to an optimum size for digestion before being evenly blended into the diet mix.
The Super Chopper is mounted on the back of the diet feeder. After being loaded into the high-capacity hopper, the roots are initially cleaned and any soil removed using a special cleaner chain. For heavily soiled crops, there is also the option to use water.
Once cleaned, the roots are cut into small nuggets (between 25-40mm) using a spring loaded chopper bar. The chopped roots are then transferred into the main mixing chamber, where the mixing action of the augers or paddles ensures that the roots are fully and evenly incorporated into the rest of the ration.
The benefits of the Super Chopper are that by being able to incorporate chopped root crops into the diet mix, this avoids having to feed the roots separately using an auger bucket and also ensures that only the required amount is used, so the chopped material stays fresh.
Also the small chop size ensures that the root crop is easily digested for optimum nutritional value and because it is thoroughly incorporated into the ration, it avoids the problem of stock selectively eating.
For more information visit: www.hispec.net.
