How it works
An electronic sow feeding system gives every sow an individual ration while she lives in a group. Each sow carries an electronic ear tag. When she enters a feeding station, a reader identifies her, checks her feeding plan and releases the set amount of feed. Gates protect her while she eats and let her out when she is finished. The system records each visit.
The parts of the system
| Part | Job |
|---|---|
| Electronic ear tags | Give each sow a unique number |
| Electronic sow feeding stations | Identify the sow and dispense her ration |
| Heat detection stations | Help find sows in heat by controlled boar contact |
| Automatic sorting stations | Direct sows to the right pen using their ID |
| Precision farrowing feeders | Give lactating sows small, regular portions |
| Group pens and flooring | Provide space and a safe floor for the group |
| Software | Holds feeding plans and shows the records |
What the farm must provide
- Pen layout: group pens planned for the number of sows per station.
- Housing and floor: safe flooring and gates that avoid injuries.
- Staff: people who can read records and act on alarms.
- Training of gilts: young sows need to learn to use the station.
Where it fits
Smart sow feeding is a core part of the mating and gestation house, and can also support the farrowing house through precision feeders. It is a good fit for new farms, and for farms moving from stalls to group housing. Some markets restrict long-term confinement of sows, which is one reason group housing is widely used.
Tell us your herd size and local rules, and we will propose a layout.
