Milk replacement feed is produced for calves, but also for other farm animals. Dry milk and whey powder are enriched with nutrient additives so that the young animal can be weaned earlier from the mother.
A milk replacer must be easily digestible for the young animal. Its formula is therefore adapted to the age and the stage of development of the digestive organs.
The mixing task is ambitious. The powdered milk derivatives must be gently homogenized so that they can be quickly dissolved in water by the user – as instant products. In particular, the nutrient additives must be finely distributed in the powder. In some cases, fats are also added to increase the energy content.
An ideally conditioned milk replacer must essentially meet the following criteria:
- The trace elements and vitamins must be ideally distributed. This is similar to the production of infant formula.
- The fat must be ideally finely distributed.
- The mixing process should take place quickly and gently; the powder must remain cold, no heat tone should be measurable.
- The powder should remain free-flowing.
- The powder should not clump when stacked in a big bag, sack or pouch.
- Atmospheric oxygen should optionally be replaced by inert gases in order to extend the shelf life.
- The powder can also be impregnated.
- In this respect, the young animal should be quickly accustomed to normal feed and compound feed.
amixon® mixers are particularly well suited for this mixing task. The mixers are designed in an outstandingly hygienic manner. The mixing process is carried out gently. Optionally, the mixer can be manufactured vacuum-proof.
For more information, visit www.amixon.com