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The Science
Not all mixers are the same

In 2008, research at Reading University made an important step forward in identifying the importance of physical structure in unlocking the potential of rations. Their research identified statistically significant increases in milk production (+1 litre), milk protein content (+0.06%) and milk protein yield (+ 3.7%) when comparing the same ration mixed in a Keenan with that in a vertical tub mixer.

Professor Chris Reynolds
University of Reading

Reading University Comparison of Keenan and Vertical Auger Mixer

	Keenan	Vertical Tub	Difference
Milk Protein, Kg/cow/day	1.253	1.208	+3.7%
Milk Casein, Kg/cow/day	1.003	0.958	+4.7%
Milk Yield, Litres/cow/day	40.3	39.3	+2.5%

Furthermore, rumen conditions were more stable with the Keenan mixed ration - the time in which the rumen was acidic was 33% less with the Keenan compared with the vertical auger mixer.

Conventional forage based rations and TMRs, even those with a high proportion of coarse forage, can actually work against the rumen by producing dense layers or mats of fibre that congest the rumen and slow down the all important cudding, mixing of rumen contents and saliva production.

Throughput of material is slow, cows have problems digesting it and nutrients can pass through the rumen without being fully utilised.

The opposite of this is a rumen with too many small particles and short fibres where enzymes and microflora go into overdrive producing chronic acidosis and health problems. Fibre digestion is poor and smaller, denser particles can be lost without being digested.

Furthermore, these small particles sink to the bottom of the rumen where they release acid, producing chronic inflammation of the rumen wall.

Mech-fiber™ is a patent-protected specific ration structure that when in the rumen produces a low density distribution of feed and specific fibre throughout the rumen liquor.

This homogenous mix allows the enzymes and microflora to work to their optimum potential - quickly and thoroughly acting on nutrients to create improved conversion of feed into milk and meat. Furthermore, high energy particles are held safely within the Mech-fiber™ where they are digested fully without creating acidic flare that can cause chronic health and fertility problems. And, because feeds are digested more fully, less methane is produced per unit of output.