Abstract: A mixer/feeder wagon (1) for mixing and dispensing batches of animal feed comprises a device (50) for monitoring operation of the mixer/feeder wagon (1) and for determining instants during a mixing cycle during which ingredients of the animal feed are to be loaded into the mixer/feeder wagon (1). The mixer/feeder wagon (1) comprises a mixing compartment (14) within which a paddle mixer (17) is rotatable for mixing the ingredients of the batch of animal feed therein. Load sensors (9) produce signals indicative of the current weight of the ingredients in the mixing compartment (14) which are read by a microprocessor (55) of the device (50). A proximity sensor (38) counts the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17.

Abstract: A mixer/feeder wagon (1) for mixing and dispensing batches of animal feed comprises a device (50) for monitoring operation of the mixer/feeder wagon (1) and for determining instants during a mixing cycle during which ingredients of the animal feed are to be loaded into the mixer/feeder wagon (1). The mixer/feeder wagon (1) comprises a mixing compartment (14) within which a paddle mixer (17) is rotatable for mixing the ingredients of the batch of animal feed therein. Load sensors (9) produce signals indicative of the current weight of the ingredients in the mixing compartment (14) which are read by a microprocessor (55) of the device (50). A proximity sensor (38) counts the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17.

Abstract: A batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients is prepared in a mixer/feeder wagon (1) where the ingredients require respective predefined mixing periods during a mixing cycle in the mixer/feeder wagon (1). The mixer/feeder wagon (1) comprises a mixing compartment (14) in which a mixing rotor provided by a paddle mixer (17) is rotatably mounted. Stationary chopping blades (42) mounted in a base (43) of the mixing compartment (14) cooperate with the paddle mixer (17) for chopping fibrous material during the mixing cycle. The appropriate predefined mixing periods required for the respective ingredients are determined in order to avoid over-mixing and under-mixing of the ingredients, and the predefined mixing period is defined as the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer (17) to which that ingredient is to be subjected.