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Sensor-Controlled Lactating Sow Feeder

Product Showcase Content
Product Name Sensor-Controlled Lactating Sow Feeder
Product Image sensor-controlled lactating sow feeder
Product Overview The Sensor-Controlled Lactating Sow Feeder is designed for individual dry feeding of sows in farrowing pens. Instead of releasing a large ration at fixed intervals, the system can provide multiple small portions throughout the day according to the sow's feeding behavior and programmed feed allowance.

A pendulum sensor positioned below the feed outlet allows the sow to request another portion naturally with her snout. A motor-driven rotary dosing mechanism then releases feed only when additional feed remains available under the programmed feeding curve.

The system supports improved feed freshness, individual feeding management and efficient farrowing-house operation, and can also be integrated with existing dry-feed distribution systems.
Key Features
  • Sensor-Controlled Feeding: The sow activates a pendulum sensor to request additional feed.
  • Individual Feed Allocation: Daily ration and feeding curves can be managed for individual lactating sows.
  • Small Fresh Portions: Feed is dispensed repeatedly in smaller quantities instead of remaining in the trough for long periods.
  • Precision Rotary Dosing: A rotary valve or comparable dosing mechanism provides controlled feed discharge.
  • Supports Higher Feed Intake: Frequent access to fresh feed is particularly valuable as feed demand increases during lactation.
  • Reduced Feed Residues: Demand-based feeding helps minimize old feed remaining in the sow trough.
  • Flexible Feeding Times: Multiple feeding blocks and adjustable feeding times can be configured according to management requirements.
  • Retrofitting Capability: The dosing unit can be installed beneath compatible volumetric dispensers in existing dry-feeding systems.
  • Remote Management: Compatible control configurations can provide feed monitoring and adjustment through computers or mobile devices.
Structural Components
  • Volumetric Feed Dispenser: Stores or meters dry feed from the main feeding line.
  • Motorized Dosing Unit: Controls the release of individual feed portions.
  • Rotary Valve: Provides precise mechanical feed dosing.
  • Transition Funnel: Guides feed from the dosing unit into the outlet pipe and facilitates cleaning.
  • Outlet Pipe: Directs each portion toward the sow trough.
  • Pendulum Sensor: Positioned where the sow naturally searches for additional feed.
  • Connection Box: Links the dosing components to the control system where required.
  • Sow Trough: Receives individual portions for immediate consumption.
  • Optional Status Indicator: A visual indicator can show feeding or animal-monitoring status.
  • Optional Water-Level System: Can be integrated to combine controlled water addition with dry-feed dosing.
Working Principle At a programmed time, the feeder can dispense an initial small portion into the sow trough. When the sow has consumed this feed and searches for more, she touches the pendulum sensor beneath the outlet pipe with her snout.

The sensor sends a feed request to the control system. If the sow still has feed available within her programmed daily allowance or feed curve, the dosing motor activates the rotary valve and releases another portion.

If the sow has already received her allocated ration, no additional feed is dispensed. This allows feeding frequency and portion size to be adapted throughout lactation while keeping feed in the trough fresh.
Technical Specifications
Product Type Sensor-controlled individual dry feeder for lactating sows
Application Area Farrowing house and lactating sow pens
Feed Type Compatible dry sow feed according to system configuration
Dosing Mechanism Motor-driven rotary valve or precision dry-feed dosing unit
Feed Request Sensor Pendulum-type animal-activated sensor
Feeding Mode Individual demand-based portion feeding
Reference Initial Portion Approximately 115 g in the documented reference system
Feed Curves Programmable according to lactation stage and management requirements
Feeding Blocks Multiple programmable feeding blocks according to control configuration
Feeding Times Freely adjustable according to farm management requirements
Control Feeding computer, local controller or compatible mobile management interface
Installation New installation or retrofit below compatible volumetric dry-feed dispensers
System Configuration Customizable according to project requirements
Applications
  • Lactating sow feeding
  • Farrowing crates and farrowing pens
  • Individual sow dry feeding
  • High-performance commercial sow farms
  • Automatic farrowing-house feeding systems
  • New steel-structure pig houses
  • Existing dry-feeding system upgrades
  • Smart livestock feeding projects
Customization Options
  • Individual feeding curves
  • Daily feed allowance settings
  • Number and timing of feeding blocks
  • Portion size according to management requirements
  • Pendulum sensor configuration
  • Volumetric dispenser compatibility
  • Feed outlet and transition funnel arrangement
  • Automatic dry-feed line connection
  • Visual status indicator
  • Water-level or feed-moistening option
  • Local or centralized computer control
  • Remote mobile monitoring
Final specifications can be configured according to sow genetics, lactation program, feed characteristics, farrowing-pen layout and project requirements.
Installation & Maintenance Installation:
  • Confirm the farrowing-pen layout, existing feed line and volumetric dispenser configuration.
  • Install the dosing unit directly below the compatible dry-feed dispenser.
  • Install the transition funnel and outlet pipe toward the sow trough.
  • Position the pendulum sensor where the sow can naturally reach it with her snout.
  • Connect the dosing motor and control components according to the electrical design.
  • Program the initial feed curve, daily ration and feeding blocks.
  • Test sensor response and portion delivery before introducing animals.
Maintenance:
  • Inspect the pendulum sensor regularly for free movement.
  • Keep the feed outlet and funnel free from compacted feed.
  • Remove the dosing unit or funnel when deeper cleaning is required.
  • Inspect the rotary valve and motor for smooth operation.
  • Keep electrical and control components protected from moisture and aggressive barn conditions.
  • Review feed-consumption reports regularly to identify abnormal intake patterns.
  • Adjust the feeding curve as lactation progresses.
Product FAQ

Q: How does the sow request additional feed?
A: The sow touches a pendulum sensor beneath the feed outlet with her snout. If additional feed remains within her programmed allowance, another portion is released.

Q: Why feed lactating sows in small portions?
A: Multiple fresh portions can improve access to feed during the day while reducing long-term feed residues in the trough.

Q: Can each sow have a different feeding curve?
A: Yes. Compatible control systems can manage individual feed allowances and feeding curves according to lactation requirements.

Q: Can feeding frequency change during lactation?
A: Yes. Feeding frequency and portion strategy can be adjusted as the sow's intake requirements increase during the lactation period.

Q: Can the system retrofit an existing dry feeding line?
A: Yes. Compatible dosing units can be installed beneath existing volumetric dispensers without replacing the complete feed transport system.

Q: Can feed intake be monitored remotely?
A: Yes. Depending on the selected controller, feeding data and ration settings can be monitored or adjusted through a farm computer or mobile interface.

Q: Can water be added to the feed?
A: Optional controlled water-level or feed-moistening systems can be integrated according to project requirements.

Q: What information is required for quotation?
A: Recommended information includes number of farrowing pens, feed type, existing feed-line design, volumetric dispenser type, trough arrangement, control requirements and project quantity.

Product Gallery sensor-controlled sow feeding system in farrowing house

automatic lactating sow feeder system

lactating sow automatic feeding system installed in farrowing barn

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