Multi-phase feeding to reduce feeding costs for pigs -Fancom

If pig producers are unable to fully pass on the ever-increasing feed prices in the sales price of pork, their profit margins will inevitably decline. To effectively manage feed costs, it is vital that farmers have a clear insight into the feed consumption on their farms so that improvements can be made. An efficient, automated feeding process that generates extensive stock registration and data feed intake date is essential.

The type of feed, the feed composition and the feed quantity are the buttons that can be tweaked in an effort to control feed costs. Pig producers who want greater flexibility in the choice of feed, feed composition and the ration per feeder choose a multi-phase feeding system that dispenses accurately formulated rations at pen or section level. This system increases their control over the feeding process and allows them to feed the right portion in the right composition at each feeding place.

Reduce feeding costs through feeding according to need

Feed according to need to reduce feeding costs

Pigs must intake energy which is used for maintenance and growth. Pigs are increasingly able to efficiently convert the nutrients in their feed into meat. It is therefore important to carefully examine the precise nutritional needs of the animals and feed them a ration that is accurately formulated to achieve optimal technical results. As the animals gain weight, their feed can contain relatively fewer nutrients. If the feed composition is not adapted during this phase, mineral rich (nitrogen and phosphate), and more expensive, feed will be fed unnecessarily for too long. This leads to a higher feed conversion rate and higher feed costs. The surplus minerals will also be released to the environment, leading to unnecessarily high nitrogen and phosphorous emissions.

Also save more feed costs using farm automation?

Multi-phase feeding, the right ration for each pig

The multi-phase dry feed system feeds the right portion of mineral rich (nitrogen and phosphorus) feed mixed with a mineral-poor feed per feeding place. The feed composition can be changed daily to precisely suit the animals' needs. The transition to a new feed type is very gradual so the animals have no problems digesting and adapting to a new feed. The feed intake improves, the animals are less susceptible to disease and they grow optimally. Always feeding the animals the right blend, and being able to switch to cheaper feed with less minerals in time allows you to reduce feeding costs.

And feeding according to need also reduces feed waste. Offering smaller feed portions more frequently on demand minimises the risk of (unusable = waste) feed residues left behind in the feeder.

How does multi-phase feeding work?

The control computer calculates the precise size and composition of the feed ration per valve. It generates an accurate report of the required feed composition. To create the ration, the components in the silo are dosed into the weigher/mixer, weighed accurately and mixed if necessary. It is also possible to add farm-grown ingredients or by-products to the feed as a way of controlling the costs. The clear feed data registration in the control computer enables you to calculate precise index numbers, compare data and make better, informed decisions.

Complete control of the feeding process

Ingredients can be dosed in based on an increase in weight, pulses or time.
The exact portion and composition is calculated per valve.
There are two ways of dosing out:
- based on registration/dosing; dosing stops when the entered amount of feed has been reached.
- based on ad libitum sensor feeding; feed is dosed during the entire feeding time as long as the trough sensors haven’t detected any feed.
For a higher dosing rate, the feed can be prepared and dosed out simultaneously. Several portions can be in the feeding system at the same time.
The feed composition can be changed daily to precisely suit the animals’ need.

Improve your feed efficiency with multi-phase feeding

Multi-phase feeding can be very beneficial for your production process:

Better feed intake
Less disease
Better growth performance
Reduces feed waste
Reduction in nutrient excretion (nitrogen and phosphorus)
Minimise feed ingredient costs

More options to reduce feeding costs

Producers often think that the best way to get a grip on the feeding process is to feed manually. But this is a misconception. An automatic feeding system gives you accurate control of feed rations, so your animals are fed the right amount at the right time. This saves time and helps you save feeding costs and keep the production results under control. Our smart systems for individual feeding in the gestation house and farrowing house, and a sensor controlled piglet feeder are valuable tools to help achieve this.

Intellitek electronic sow feeding station (ESF)

Fancom’s IntelliTek electronic sow feeding system has been specially developed for sows in group housing. The sows eat in turn at a feeding station and decide how many portions they eat of their daily ration. A special selection gate allows sows to be selected when they exit the station so they can be directed to a different zone in the house. Individual animal recognition ensures the correct portion of feed is dispensed automatically to each sow.

Double access recognition
Suitable for 60-70 sows
Efficient sow management

Intellitek electronic sow feeding station (ESF)

FaroTek individual sow feeding system

The FaroTek is an automatic feeding system for the farrowing house. FaroTek allows you to feed sows several times a day according to an individual regime. Moving the sensor in the feeder allows the sow to decide when she eats her ration of feed. The number of feeding times can be set individually up to eight times per day. A handy LED indicator on the dispenser supplies important information about the feed status of the relevant sow.

Less weight loss
Higher milk production
Better sow condition

Rondomat sensor-controlled piglet feeder

The Rondomat is a sensor-controlled piglet feeder that helps ensure a smooth post-weaning transition to weaner feed. Sensors detect whether there is any feed in the trough. The weaned piglets are given immediate access to clean, fresh feed without having to learn how to operate a feed trough system. This prevents the dip often experienced by piglets after weaning. The result is piglets in optimal health with good, fast growth.

Up to 35 g higher growth per day
Prevents weaning dip
Reduces waste feed

Rondomat sensor-controlled piglet feeder

Optimise the feeding processes in your farm?

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