Automatic Individual Sow Feeder

The Automatic Individual Sow Feeder is a computer-controlled dry-feeding solution designed primarily for lactating sows in farrowing pens. Each sow receives feed according to an individual feeding curve rather than relying on one fixed feeding quantity for the entire room.

The system combines a volume dispenser, feed pipe and controlled dosing unit. In sensor-operated configurations, the sow activates a pendulum inside the feed pipe to request a small portion. Feed is released only when the programmed ration allows another serving.

Alternatively, portions can be delivered according to programmed eating times. Multiple smaller meals distributed throughout the day help maintain fresh feed in the trough and support precise commercial sow management.

• Individual feeding for lactating sows in farrowing pens.
• Computer-controlled ration management based on individual feed curves.
• Sensor-demand or programmed-time feeding configurations available.
• Dispenses multiple small portions instead of one large daily meal.
• Suitable for meal, crumble and pellet dry feed.
• Helps keep feed fresh with minimal old feed remaining in the trough.
• Daily feed allocation can be adjusted from the central management system.
• Feeding behavior and feed requests can be monitored for each sow.
• Quiet operating concept suitable for sow and piglet environments.
• Lower dosing section can be rotated for flexible installation.
• Removable dosing components simplify cleaning and maintenance.
• Suitable for new farrowing houses and feeding-system renovation projects.

• Volume Dispenser: Holds the allocated dry feed above the individual feeding unit.
• Feed Pipe: Transfers feed from the dispenser toward the sow trough.
• Automatic Dosing Unit: Releases controlled portions according to the feeding program.
• Pendulum Sensor: Allows the sow to request feed in sensor-controlled configurations.
• Control Unit: Evaluates feeding entitlement and activates the dosing mechanism.
• Feed Adjustment System: Defines daily ration, portion frequency and individual feeding curve.
• Rotatable Lower Section: Allows flexible orientation according to farrowing-pen layout.
• Sow Trough: Receives each fresh feed portion within easy reach of the animal.
• Mounting Assembly: Connects the dispenser and dosing components to the feed line and pen structure.
• Data Interface: Links individual feeder operation with the farm feeding-management system.

Sensor-Controlled Feeding: The sow moves a pendulum inside the feed pipe. The control system checks whether feed is still available within the sow's programmed daily ration. If feeding is authorized, the dosing unit releases one portion into the trough.

After a defined eating interval, the sow can request another portion. This allows the animal to distribute its feed intake over the day while the software controls the maximum daily ration.

Time-Controlled Feeding: Feed portions can also be distributed automatically according to programmed eating times without requiring the sow to activate a sensor.

Feed consumption and feeding activity can be recorded through the management system, helping farm staff identify unusual changes in individual sow feeding behavior.

• Commercial farrowing houses
• Lactating sow feeding
• Individual farrowing pens
• Free-movement farrowing systems
• Precision sow-feeding projects
• Automatic dry-feed distribution systems
• Large-scale breeding farms
• Steel-structure pig houses
• Prefabricated livestock buildings
• Existing farrowing-house feeding upgrades

• Sensor-controlled feeding configuration
• Programmed-time feeding configuration
• Individual sow feed curves
• Daily ration and portion-size settings
• Number and timing of feeding cycles
• Volume dispenser configuration
• Feed pipe orientation
• Dry-feed line integration
• Central farm-management control
• Farrowing crate or free-movement pen installation
• Customizable according to project requirements

Installation:

• Confirm farrowing-pen dimensions, trough position and dry-feed line layout.
• Install the volume dispenser above the individual sow feeding position.
• Mount the automatic dosing unit beneath the dispenser.
• Rotate and align the lower feed pipe according to the trough position.
• Install the pendulum sensor when demand feeding is specified.
• Connect the feeder to the control system and assign the correct pen position.
• Program the initial feed curve, daily ration and eating intervals.
• Test several dosing cycles before animals enter the farrowing room.

Maintenance:

• Inspect the dosing mechanism regularly for unrestricted movement.
• Keep the pendulum sensor clean and correctly positioned.
• Check feed pipes for bridging, compacted feed or obstruction.
• Remove the dosing unit when thorough cleaning is required.
• Clean the open feed-pipe section and sow trough between production batches.
• Inspect electrical cables, sensors and mounting components periodically.
• Verify software settings and individual sow assignments after pen changes.

Q: What is an automatic individual sow feeder?
A: It is a computer-controlled feeding system that dispenses dry feed in individually programmed portions to a sow in her own farrowing pen.

Q: Can the sow request feed herself?
A: Yes. In sensor-controlled configurations, the sow activates a pendulum and receives another portion when her programmed ration permits it.

Q: Can feeding occur automatically without a sensor?
A: Yes. Feed quantities and eating times can also be programmed so portions are released according to a predefined schedule.

Q: What feed types can be used?
A: Comparable systems handle dry meal, crumble and pellet feed.

Q: Does each sow require an RFID ear tag?
A: Not normally when every sow occupies a dedicated pen with its own assigned feeder. RFID identification is more commonly required in shared electronic sow-feeding stations.

Q: Can the feeding curve be changed for each sow?
A: Yes. Daily feed allocation and feeding schedules can be adjusted individually through the management system.

Q: Can the system be retrofitted to an existing farrowing house?
A: Yes. Retrofit configurations are possible after checking the existing feed line, volume dispensers, pen dimensions, trough location and control infrastructure.

Q: What information is required for a quotation?
A: Please provide sow numbers, farrowing-pen quantity, feed type, existing feed-line layout, dispenser configuration, control requirements, pen drawings and project location.