Ewald Gersthofer is a dairy goat farmer in Austria. He uses a seven-cubic-metre Trioliet stationary mixer on his farm, which is home to 180 dairy goats (in the Austrian village of Rappottenstein). The stationary mixer runs in combination with a conveyor belt feeding system, which has made the feeding process much more efficient.
Halving the feeding time
For the transition to mixing with a stationary feeding system, manual feeding was carried out in combination with a conveyor belt system. Since the Trioliet stationary mixer was commissioned, the feed time has been halved to a maximum of half an hour per day. When Erwald Gersthofer looks back on the amount of time that feeding used to take, this constitutes a huge benefit. This precious time can now be spent on other activities.
A consistent mixture is important for goats
Goats are sensitive animals. It is important to provide a homogeneous mixture during every feed cycle, as this prevents fluctuations in production. Ewald Gersthofer believes that Trioliet’s stationary system mixes the feed very consistently. "The main advantage is that I can always feed my goats a consistently mixed ration. With milk production per goat at 800 litres per year, the fat and protein percentages in the milk have increased, which in turn leads to a higher yield. In addition, feed utilisation is better because the components are homogeneously mixed. Previously, the concentrate feed was sorted by the goats. Now it is absorbed evenly together with the other feed components."
For Ewald Gersthofer, it quickly became clear that he needed a stationary mixer. "Obtaining a consistent mix was one of the most important factors when choosing the brand. I talked to many fellow farmers – both livestock farmers who use Trioliet and farmers who use a different brand." After trialling a towed Trioliet feed mixer as a demo machine, he was convinced of the good mixing quality.
Good service
In addition to mixing quality, trust was important. "Trioliet has over 70 years of experience. You can see that they are quality products. The equipment is sturdy and robust. It's obvious that the quality is there." It was also important for Ewald that the dealer provides support for the product and that a local contact person is available. "A machine is only as good as its salesperson, consultant or workshop. It's a question of service, because good service means a good product. I always say that this is the optimal solution for companies like mine."
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