Ad-Libitum Feeder for Lactating Sows

The Ad-Libitum Feeder for Lactating Sows is designed for free-choice feeding during the lactation period. It allows each sow to regulate her own feed intake from the first days after farrowing until weaning instead of relying only on fixed meal schedules.

The compact dosing unit releases fresh feed directly into the sow trough and can be used together with water in the feeding area, allowing the sow to consume dry feed or create a fresh feed-and-water mixture.

The feeder is suitable for conventional farrowing crates, loose-housed farrowing pens and commercial sow farms, and can be integrated with existing dry-feed delivery systems according to project requirements.

• Ad-Libitum Feeding: Allows the sow to determine when and how much feed she consumes during lactation.
• Sow-Activated Operation: Feed is released through animal interaction with the dispensing mechanism.
• Fresh Feed Supply: Controlled dosing helps avoid excessive feed remaining in the trough for long periods.
• Feed and Water Mixing: Suitable trough arrangements allow the sow to combine feed and water during eating.
• Reduced Feed Waste: Demand-based delivery helps limit unnecessary feed accumulation.
• Three-Level Adjustment: Reference feeder design provides three feed-dosing settings.
• Compact Installation: Fits directly above or close to the sow feeding trough in farrowing units.
• Automatic Feed-Line Compatible: Can be supplied from a compatible dry-feed conveying system.

• Feed Chamber: Holds a controlled quantity of dry lactation feed above the trough.
• Feed Outlet: Directs feed into the sow feeding area.
• Activation Mechanism: Allows the sow to trigger feed delivery during eating.
• Dosing Adjustment: Controls the quantity of feed released during operation.
• Drop Tube Connection: Connects the feeder to a manual or automatic dry-feed supply.
• Mounting Brackets: Secure the unit to farrowing-crate or pen structures.
• Sow Trough Interface: Positions released feed directly within the sow's feeding and drinking area.

Dry feed is supplied to the feeder from a drop pipe, feed dispenser or compatible automatic dry-feeding system. The dosing mechanism retains feed until the sow activates the feeder.

When the sow operates the dispensing component, a controlled quantity of fresh feed enters the trough. She can repeat this action according to her appetite rather than waiting for predetermined feeding times.

Where water is available in the trough, the sow can mix feed and water immediately before consumption. Correct adjustment helps maintain fresh feed availability while limiting excessive residual feed.

• Product Type: Self-activated ad-libitum sow feed dispenser
• Animal Category: Lactating sows
• Application Period: Farrowing to weaning
• Reference Feeder Volume: 7 L
• Dosing Adjustment: Three reference adjustment levels
• Feed Type: Compatible dry lactation feed according to project requirements
• Feeding Mode: Ad libitum / sow activated
• Water Integration: Compatible with trough-based feed and water mixing
• Feed Supply: Manual drop tube or automatic dry-feed line
• Mounting: Farrowing crate, pen structure or project-specific support
• Final Configuration: Customizable according to project requirements

• Lactating sow feeding
• Conventional farrowing crates
• Loose-housed farrowing pens
• Individual sow feeding systems
• Commercial farrowing houses
• Automatic dry-feed distribution systems
• Prefabricated steel structure pig houses
• New sow-farm and farrowing-house renovation projects

• Feed drop-pipe connection
• Mounting bracket configuration
• Farrowing-crate or loose-pen installation
• Sow trough type and dimensions
• Water nipple or trough water supply arrangement
• Automatic feed-line integration
• Corrosion-resistant mounting hardware
• Complete feeding layout according to project requirements

Installation:

• Confirm feeder position relative to the sow trough and farrowing-crate structure.
• Secure the feeder and feed pipe using suitable corrosion-resistant brackets.
• Connect the feeder to the dry-feed supply line.
• Confirm that water delivery to the trough is correctly positioned where wet feeding is required.
• Select the initial dosing setting according to feed characteristics and sow management requirements.
• Test the activation mechanism and feed discharge before the feeder enters service.

Maintenance:

• Check the activation and dosing mechanism regularly for free movement.
• Remove compacted or stale feed from the outlet and trough.
• Inspect feed pipes and connections for blockage.
• Wash and disinfect feeder components between farrowing batches.
• Inspect brackets and fasteners for looseness or corrosion.
• Replace worn dispensing components when feed delivery becomes inconsistent.

Q1: What is an ad-libitum feeder for lactating sows?

It is a demand-based feeding device that allows a lactating sow to obtain feed according to her appetite instead of receiving only fixed meals.

Q2: When can the feeder be used?

It is designed for the lactation period, from the first days after farrowing until the litter is weaned.

Q3: Can the sow mix feed and water?

Yes. When installed with an appropriate water supply and trough, the sow can combine freshly dispensed feed with water during eating.

Q4: Can feed delivery be adjusted?

Yes. The reference feeder provides three dosing levels so feed delivery can be adapted to operating requirements.

Q5: What is the reference feeder capacity?

The reference ad-libitum feed dispenser has a volume of approximately 7 liters.

Q6: Can it connect to an automatic feeding system?

Yes. The feeder can be integrated with compatible dry-feed drop pipes and automatic feed conveying systems.

Q7: Can it be installed in loose farrowing pens?

Yes. Mounting arrangements can be adapted to conventional crates or loose-housed farrowing systems according to the pen structure.

Q8: What information is required for a quotation?

Please provide the farrowing-pen type, number of sows, trough design, feed-delivery method, water-supply arrangement, drop-pipe dimensions and required feeder quantity.