New electronic feed management system for Hi-Spec feeders

At this year’s Dairy Event & Livestock Show, Hi-Spec Engineering will have on display the new Digi-Star TMR Tracker electronic feed management system that is now available on all Hi-Spec Engineering Vertical and MixMax complete diet feeders.

Hi-Spec Engineering has become one of the first in the UK to offer the full Digi-Star TMR Tracker feed system on their diet feeders, which offers herd managers complete TMR ration management.

The Digi-Star feed system comprises of two elements, the TMR Tracker computer software that is used to create, cost and manage the ration mix, and the Cab Control system that is fitted to the diet feeder.

TMR Tracker is a powerful and versatile feed management programme that is designed to provide livestock farmers with all the information they need to accurately manage the feed ration, increase efficiency and help improve overall production.

Using TMR Tracker, information on the TMR ingredients, mixes and production groups can all be entered and stored on the computer. Depending on requirements, three levels of functionality are available – Lite, Pro and Pro+ - which can be easily upgraded online.

Using the software, having entered ingredient details, additional information such as cost, dry matter values and dry matter intake can all be stored, and various reports and costings can be compiled. In addition, this information can also be transferred across into more general farm management programmes. TMR Tracker also provides access to online support or an international help desk.

Having created the mix, the component information and quantities are managed using the Cab Control system fitted to the feed wagon. This comprises two components, a weighing indicator and scale system fitted to the mixer wagon itself which is wirelessly linked to a second control box fitted in the cab of the loading vehicle.

The ration mix information created using the TMR Tracker software is transferred to the Cab Control unit using either a Datakey memory chip, or by using the Datalink wireless system, which provides a continuous exchange of data over a range of up to 1.5km depending on location.

When creating the mix, the Cab Control unit will display the required ingredients and qualities, appropriate to individual groups if necessary. As the mix is created, the actual weights loaded and then fed are recorded and saved, and this information can then be transferred back to the TMR Tracker software via the Datalink or Datakey.

Through the combination of the highly efficient mixing system used by Hi-Spec Vertical or MixMax diet feeders and the use of the Digi-Star system, which is one of the most advanced feed management systems available on the market, this will help ensure livestock owners achieve maximum output and cost effectiveness from their ration mix.