Combi Feeder for Sows and Weaners

The Combi Feeder for Sows and Weaners is a convertible dry-feeding solution designed especially for farrowing systems where piglets remain in the familiar pen after the sow is moved. One feeding installation can therefore serve the nursing sow during lactation and later serve the weaned pigs.

During the sow-feeding stage, the lower pendulum is removed and feed passes directly through the downpipe into the trough. Feed quantity is controlled by a separate volumetric dispenser installed above the feeder.

After weaning, the feeder is converted by installing the pendulum. The piglets activate the pendulum themselves to release dry feed according to appetite, while drinking water is provided through separate water valves.

• One feeding system for both nursing sows and weaned pigs.
• Designed for weaning-in-place farrowing concepts.
• Suitable for loose-sow and modern farrowing pen layouts.
• Manually convertible between sow-feeding and weaner-feeding modes.
• Sow ration can be controlled by an overhead volumetric feed dispenser.
• Pendulum-operated feed delivery provides ad-libitum access for weaners.
• Separate drinking valves keep the weaner dry-feed system independent from water delivery.
• Allows piglets to remain in the farrowing pen up to approximately 30 kg in the reference production concept.
• Reduces the need for separate sow and nursery feeding equipment.
• Compact vertical design integrates easily with pen partitions and dry-feed lines.
• Lower stainless steel funnel provides a durable feed outlet.
• Suitable for new commercial pig houses and farrowing-house renovation projects.

• Vertical Feed Tube: Transfers dry feed from the overhead dispensing system to the trough.
• Feed Dispenser Connection: Interfaces with an individual volumetric dispenser during lactation.
• Removable Pendulum: Converts the feeder from direct sow feeding to piglet-operated feeding.
• Lower Stainless Steel Funnel: Directs feed accurately into the trough area.
• Feeder Holder: Supports and stabilizes the vertical feeder assembly.
• Adjustment Components: Allow the lower feeder section to be converted between production stages.
• Separate Water Pipe: Supplies drinking water independently to the weaned pigs.
• Water Valves: Provide accessible drinking points for piglets after the sow is removed.
• Mounting Clamps and Brackets: Secure the feeder to the approved pen or building structure.
• Feed Trough Interface: Positions delivered feed within easy reach of both the sow and weaners.

Sow Feeding Mode:

During lactation, the pendulum is removed from the bottom of the feed tube. A preset quantity of dry feed is measured by the mounted feed dispenser and falls directly through the tube and lower funnel into the sow trough.

Weaner Feeding Mode:

After the sow leaves the farrowing pen, the pendulum is installed in the lower feeder section. Weaned pigs move the pendulum with their snouts to release small quantities of dry feed according to appetite.

Water for the weaners is supplied separately through dedicated drinking valves. This conversion allows the same pen and feeder to continue operating without transferring the piglets immediately to a separate nursery feeding system.

• Loose-sow farrowing pens
• Commercial farrowing houses
• Nursing sow dry-feeding systems
• Weaning-in-place pig production
• Post-weaning piglet feeding
• Birth-to-30 kg production concepts
• Automatic dry-feed distribution systems
• Large-scale breeding farms
• Steel-structure pig houses
• Farrowing-house renovation projects

• Feed downpipe dimensions
• Volumetric sow feed dispenser configuration
• Pendulum-type weaner feed outlet
• Lower stainless steel funnel configuration
• Separate piglet water pipe
• Drinking valve quantity and position
• Pen-wall or partition mounting hardware
• Automatic dry-feed line connection
• Farrowing pen integration
• Loose-sow housing configuration
• Designed according to local farm and project requirements

Installation:

• Confirm farrowing pen dimensions, trough position and overhead feed-line location.
• Install the feeder holder securely on the approved pen or structural support.
• Position the vertical feed tube directly above the trough feeding area.
• Install the lower stainless steel funnel and verify correct alignment.
• Connect the sow feed dispenser to the overhead dry-feed line.
• Install the separate water pipe and drinking valves for the weaner stage.
• Configure the lower feeder without the pendulum for lactating sow feeding.
• After the sow is moved, install the pendulum for piglet-operated feeding.
• Test feed movement and water supply before each production stage.

Maintenance:

• Inspect the feed tube and funnel regularly for feed buildup or obstruction.
• Check the pendulum for free movement before changing to weaner feeding.
• Keep the volumetric feed dispenser clean and correctly adjusted.
• Inspect clamps, holders and mounting hardware periodically.
• Check drinking valves and water pipes for leakage or blockage.
• Remove residual feed before pressure washing the pen.
• Wash and disinfect the feeder between production cycles according to farm biosecurity procedures.

Q: Can the same feeder be used for both the sow and her piglets?
A: Yes. The system is specifically designed to operate first as a controlled feeder for the nursing sow and later as an ad-libitum feeder for the weaned pigs.

Q: How is the feeder converted for weaned pigs?
A: The lower feeding section is changed by installing the pendulum. Piglets then activate the pendulum themselves to release feed.

Q: How is feed supplied to the sow?
A: During lactation, the pendulum is removed and feed from a mounted volumetric dispenser drops directly through the feeder into the trough.

Q: How long can the piglets remain in the farrowing pen?
A: The reference production concept is designed for piglets to remain in the familiar pen until approximately 30 kg.

Q: Do the weaners receive water through the feeder?
A: No. In the reference arrangement, weaners receive drinking water through separate water valves while the feeder supplies dry feed.

Q: Is the system suitable for loose-sow farrowing pens?
A: Yes. This is one of its primary applications, especially where the sow is moved after lactation while the piglets remain in the original pen.

Q: Can it connect to an automatic dry-feeding line?
A: Yes. The feeder can be integrated with overhead dry-feed transport and volumetric dosing equipment according to the project design.

Q: What information is required for a quotation?
A: Please provide sow and piglet numbers, farrowing pen dimensions, expected weaning weight, feed type, existing feed-line configuration, trough design, water system and available barn drawings.