Method and system for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations
A system and method are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives or supplements to feed rations. The amount of each particular micro-ingredient to be delivered to a feed ration may be determined by a bulk density measurement. Alternatively, bulk density measurement may be used in combination with existing weight measurement and volumetric metering methods for multiple micro-ingredients. Delivery by bulk density requires determination of a bulk density value along with use of a dispensing device that dispenses a calculated amount of the micro-ingredient ration. The dispensing calculation may be achieved by analysis of delivery time, pulse count, or some other quantitative measure such as magnitude. Use of bulk density as a measurement technique eliminates the requirement for use of scales in the micro-ingredient delivery system.
1. A method of measuring micro-ingredients for a feed ration, said method comprising the steps of:
determining a bulk density for at least one micro-ingredient;
assigning a base value to the bulk density;
dispensing the micro-ingredient from a dispensing device;
recording the length of time in which the dispensing device operates to dispense the micro-ingredient;
calculating an amount of the micro-ingredient delivered taking into account the bulk density value and the recorded length of time;
determining a compensation factor, said compensation factor being calculated without weighing the micro-ingredients, and derived from consideration of at least one factor of a plurality of factors including temperature, viscosity, and loose/hard packed packaging and storage conditions;
adjusting the base value of the bulk density by the compensation factor;
calculating an amount of the micro-ingredient delivered taking into account the adjusted bulk density value and the length of time.
2. A method, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
said dispensing step is achieved by use of at least one of an auger and a pump.
3. A method, as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
validating the bulk density value by comparing the calculated amount of the micro-ingredient dispensed to a weight of the micro-ingredient dispensed.
4. A system for measuring and dispensing micro-ingredients to a feed ration comprising:
means for storing a quantity of at least one micro-ingredient;
means for dispensing an amount of the micro-ingredient from the means for storing, said measured amount of the micro-ingredient being calculated by a bulk density value of the micro-ingredient and at least one of (i) a time the means for delivering operates to convey the micro-ingredient from the means for storing and (ii) a recorded electronic signal comprising at least one of an analog signal and a pulse count generated in response to the operation of the means for dispensing;
means for determining a compensation factor without weighing the micro-ingredients, said compensation factor being derived from consideration of at least one factor of a plurality of factors including temperature, viscosity, and loose/hard packed packaging and storage conditions;
adjusting the base value of the bulk density by the compensation factor;
calculating an amount of the micro-ingredient delivered taking into account the adjusted bulk density value and the length of time,
means for receiving the micro-ingredient dispensed from the means for storing; and means for delivering the micro-ingredient from the means for receiving to the feed ration.
5. A system, as claimed in claim 4 , wherein:
said means for storing includes at least one storage bin.
6. A system, as claimed in claim 4 , wherein:
said means for delivering includes at least one of an auger and a pump.
7. A system, as claimed in claim 4 , wherein:
said means for delivering the micro-ingredient includes supplying pressurized air through said means for receiving.
8. A system, as claimed in claim 4 , wherein:
said means for delivering comprises flush liquid circulated through said means for receiving.