bulk bin is installed and that metering devices will be used on the down- 

 spouts. The difference between F and G is that the former is assumed to be 

 completely mechanized* and the latter dependent upon gravity flowf to 

 the metering devices. For both Situations F and G, where the feeding oper- 

 ation itself is identical, it is assumed that daily feeding time will be six 

 minutes, or somewhat in excess of the completely mechanized stanchion- 

 stable arrangement in Situation C. 



In comparing Situations D and E in Table 22, it is again apparent that 

 constructing the overhead-bulk bin with downspout results in time savings 

 more than sufficient to offset the depreciated value of the additional invest- 

 ment, even without taking into account a savings in the purchase price of 

 bulk vs. bagged feed. While the cost of a mechanized system is somewhat 

 less in the milking parlor than in a stanchion stable — 3 stalls vs. 25 

 stanchions to be fitted with downspouts and meters — it still does not 

 effect as much net savings as a bulk bin and downspout alone. The real 

 potential of the metering feeder would best be realized if we could service 

 these 3 outlets by gravity from a bulk bin rather than by overhead con- 

 veying equipment. 



It must be acknowledged that the starting point for the analyses in 

 Table 22, i.e., an overhead grain room from which the operator carries 

 bagged or drops grain downstairs to fill a grain cart or barrel, is not the 

 most efficient means of handling bagged feed. However, it may be fairly 



Table 22. Estimated Annual Costs of Chore Feeding of Grain 

 to a 25-Cow Herd Under Assumed Situations^ 



^ Situations explained in text. 



^ Homemade grain cart, scoop scale. 



^ Homemade grain cart, scoop scale, bulk bin. 



* Bulk bin, automatic feeder, 25 stanchion meters. 

 ^ Scoop scale, storage barrel. 



' Scoop scale, storage barrel, bulk bin. 



' Bulk bin, automatic feeder, 3 metering feeders. 



* Bulk bin, 3 metering feeders. 

 8 Hours at $1.00 per hour. 



* This system approximates the Michigan State plan for milking parlors. It is 

 assumed that an automatic poultry feeder with elevating and conveying features wiU 

 be used to fill a series of hoppers. On the downspouts, metering feeders, operating on 

 the principal of an auger in a tube, turned by a handle, will be located. These de- 

 liver about two pounds per revolution of the handle, depending on density of the grain. 

 Commercial companies retail this device for about $25 each. 



t It is assumed in Situation G that the bulk bin can be modified so that gravity 

 flow will fill a hopper above each metering device. 



39 



