Herringbone feed system has rotary benefits
A feeding system developed for herringbone dairy sheds by Tuakau-based PPP Industries is now ready for prime time, says general manager Nick Morison.
Mostly tainless steel manufacture has reduced the unit's weight by nearly half to 56kg. And extensive testing has ensured the unit suits crossbreds and finer-wool halfbreds.
Aimed at dealing with flystrike or lice, the unit gets the active liquid treatment to skin level, from the poll, over the shoulders and along the back line, then over the rump, down around the crutch and around the pizzle area.
The unit is light yet strong and easily moved into position.
It has a jetting system that is triggered as animals move down the race and are detected by an electronic sensor.
Two upper spray lines mounted in the same direction as the animal's movement carry ten spray nozzles, and a lower unit mounted across the direction of movement carries a further three; this is angled 30o forward for maximum underbody penetration.
The spray valve, activated after detecting the animal, achieves instant jetting, sending a continuous stream that ensures maximum wetting. It is recommended that animals move through the race in no more than one per second for best results.
The unit comes complete with all necessary pipework with cam-lock fittings, intake filter and a Honda 5.5hp petrol engine and Davey Fighter pump.
