Performance evaluation of mechanical feed mixers using machine parameters, operational parameters and feed characteristics in Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions, Ghana

Abstract

Mechanical feed mixers are preferred for their higher efficiencies. A wide range of these feed mixers are available and used in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions of Ghana due to a higher concentration of poultry farms in these regions. The performances of both local and foreign poultry feed mixers in the two regions were evaluated. This was carried out as a procedure to identify the types, measure machine parameters, operational parameters and feed characteristics relevant to the performance of poultry feed mixers. Data collected were analysed using statistical tools at 95% C.I. From the results, moisture content of the feed samples ranged from 9.21 to 11.08% (% wb), the geometric mean diameter of all samples ranged from 762.74 to 947.27 µm with the geometric standard deviation range of 2.35–2.50. The two dominating feed mixer types were the horizontal and vertical. The horizontal feed mixers indicated mixing time of 1.5–10 min, mixing speed of 40–80 rpm, energy consumption per mix of 0.9–3.8 kWh and blending uniformity with a coefficient of variation (CV = 7.19%), but relatively high maintenance cost per month. CV less than 10% is the percent commonly recognized by the feed industry as the cut-off for uniformity of mix analysis. The vertical feed mixers indicated low maintenance cost, mixing time of 15–30 min, mixing speed of 250–500 rpm, energy consumption per mix of 0.8–5.5 kWh and CV = 10.30–18.05%. Given that the horizontal feed mixers were found to have better performance metrics, there is the need to adapt the design for local process planning and manufacture, while substituting imported machine parts and components with locally available materials to optimize performance and minimise maintenance cost for the poultry and feed industries.