System and method for preparing micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations

A method for preparing micro-ingredients to be used in designated feed rations, said method comprising:

• (a) providing:
• (i) at least one bin for holding a micro-ingredient therein, said bin having an opening for receiving the micro-ingredient;
• (ii) a dispensing device communicating with the at least one bin for dispensing the micro-ingredient from the at least one bin;
• (iii) a receiving receptacle for receiving the micro-ingredient dispensed;
• (iv) a slide gate mechanism mounted to the receiving receptacle, the slide gate mechanism having a slidable gate;
• (v) a controller communicating with said dispensing device and said slide gate mechanism, said controller including a micro-processor, computer coded instructions determining operation of the system, and an interface for sending output control signals to and receiving input signals from said slide gate mechanism;
• and
• (b) operating said slide gate mechanism based on commands from said computer coded instructions resulting in the output control signals sent to said slide gate mechanism, wherein said slidable gate is moved between a closed position and an open position, the open position defining an opening through the mechanism enabling a micro-ingredient to be transferred from the dispensing device into the receiving receptacle, and the closed position defining a closure of the mechanism to prevent the micro-ingredient from being transferred from the dispensing device into the receiving receptacle.