Cleaning of Pig Feed – I/S Gammelgaard

Dirt, Sand and Grain – A Dangerous Mixture

Pig producers are increasingly mixing feed on their own farms to maximize profitability. However, on-site feed production presents a new challenge. Efficient removal of dirt, sand, and other impurities that get mixed with grain during harvesting is essential. These impurities can negatively impact feed quality, animal health, and the longevity of feeding equipment.

For I/S Gammelgaard, a family-run farm in Denmark, ensuring optimal feed quality was a priority. Farming 600 hectares of wheat, barley, and rapeseed and producing 40,000 piglets annually, the farm faced issues with accumulation of sand and dirt at the bottom of grain silos. This led to:

• Reduced feed quality and nutrition for pigs.
• Increased risk of germination and toxin development due to poor airflow through grain.
• Additional costs from using toxin binders to counteract feed contamination.
• Excessive wear on feeding equipment caused by high levels of dust and impurities.

To address these concerns, Allan Gammelgaard sought a reliable grain cleaning solution that could efficiently remove contaminants and enhance feed quality.

The Solution

Sukup Europe led to the implementation of the Kongskilde KDC 8000 PLUS dual cleaner as part of a new silo system. This highly flexible cleaner was selected for its ability to effectively remove impurities while maintaining high throughput. The system was tailored to meet the farm’s specific requirements:

• Dual-Screen Cleaning: The KDC 8000 features two screen layers to separate grain kernels by size, ensuring unwanted materials are removed.
• Aspirator Technology: An integrated aspirator removes fine dust particles and other lightweight impurities.
• Adjustable System: The machine’s cleaning efficiency and capacity can be optimized through simple adjustments.
• Robust Design: A fully galvanized construction allows for both indoor and outdoor installation, ensuring durability in various working environments.

The Results

The installation of the KDC 8000 delivered significant improvements in feed quality and overall farm efficiency. Key benefits included:

• Healthier Feed for Pigs: By eliminating sand and dust, the risk of toxins was minimized, reducing the need for costly toxin binders.
• Optimized Silo Management: The removal of heavy contaminants improved airflow in storage, reducing germination and risk of toxins.
• Cost Savings: The investment in the KDC 8000 is expected to pay off quickly, thanks to reduced expenses on feed additives and equipment maintenance.
• Enhanced Cleaning Flexibility: The ability to adjust machine settings and quickly change screens allows for easy adaptation to different grain types and conditions.