Automatic Water-Dosing Sow Feeder

The Automatic Water-Dosing Sow Feeder is designed for lactating sows in commercial farrowing houses. It combines precise dry-feed dosing with automatically controlled water addition, allowing fresh mash to be prepared directly in the sow trough shortly before consumption.

A sensor positioned near the feed outlet detects sow feeding activity and communicates with the control system. According to programmed settings, a measured feed portion is released and an adjustable quantity of fresh water is added automatically.

The system can be integrated with existing dry-feeding equipment, individual sow dosers and farrowing-pen installations, helping farms automate feeding while maintaining flexible feed and water management.

• Automatic Water Dosing: Adds a predetermined quantity of fresh water to previously dosed dry feed.
• Sensor-Controlled Feeding: Sow interaction with the sensor can trigger additional feed portions according to the feeding program.
• Fresh Mash Preparation: Feed and water are combined close to consumption time rather than stored as wet feed for extended periods.
• Adjustable Water Quantity: Water addition can be adapted to feeding strategy, climate and farm requirements.
• Individual Sow Feeding: Compatible systems can deliver feed according to the programmed requirements of individual lactating sows.
• Improved Hot-Weather Management: Additional controlled water provision can be useful during periods of high ambient temperature.
• Reduced Wet Feed Residue: Demand-based moistening helps avoid unnecessary quantities of wet feed remaining in the trough.
• Retrofit Potential: Suitable configurations can be added to compatible existing dry-feeding installations.

• Dry Feed Dosing Unit: Delivers controlled portions of sow feed into the trough.
• Feed Drop Pipe: Guides dry feed from the dosing system to the feeding area.
• Animal Sensor: Detects sow interaction and sends a feeding request to the controller.
• Water Dosing Valve: Controls the quantity and timing of fresh water addition.
• Water Supply Pipe: Connects the dosing valve to the barn water system.
• Control Unit: Manages feed release, water dosing and programmed feeding parameters.
• Sow Feeding Trough: Receives the dry feed and automatically dosed water for immediate consumption.

At the beginning of a feeding cycle, a controlled dry-feed portion is discharged into the sow trough. In compatible operating modes, this initial portion can remain dry.

When the sow requests additional feed by activating the sensor, the control system releases another feed portion and automatically opens the water-dosing valve. A preset quantity of fresh water is then added to the feed.

Parameters such as water quantity, timing, dosing duration and operating pressure can be configured according to the feeding program and project requirements.

• Product Type: Automatic water-dosing system for sow dry feeding
• Primary Application: Lactating sows in farrowing areas
• Feed Type: Compatible commercial dry sow feed
• Water Addition: Automatically dosed and adjustable
• Activation: Sensor-controlled according to feeding program
• Feed Delivery: Small or programmed individual portions
• Control Parameters: Water quantity, dosing time, duration and related operating settings according to system configuration
• Water Supply: Connected to compatible barn fresh-water system
• Feeding System Integration: Compatible dry-feed doser or automatic sow feeding system
• Installation: Farrowing crate, farrowing pen or project-specific configuration
• Final Specification: Customizable according to project requirements

• Commercial farrowing houses
• Lactating sow feeding systems
• Conventional farrowing crates
• Loose-housed farrowing pens
• Sensor-controlled individual sow feeding
• Automatic dry-feeding systems
• Hot-climate sow production facilities
• Prefabricated steel structure pig houses
• Pig farm feeding-system renovation and automation projects

• Water dosing quantity and timing
• Sensor position and activation configuration
• Dry-feed dosing system integration
• Feed drop-pipe configuration
• Water valve and pipe arrangement
• Farrowing crate or loose-pen mounting
• Control-system integration
• Trough type and installation position
• Complete feeding layout according to project requirements

Installation:

• Confirm the sow trough, feed drop pipe, sensor and water-valve positions according to the farrowing-pen layout.
• Secure the feed dosing and sensor components to the approved pen structure.
• Connect the water-dosing valve to a clean and stable water supply.
• Connect the dosing system to the dry-feed line and control unit.
• Program the initial feed and water settings according to farm management requirements.
• Test sensor response, feed discharge, water flow and trough positioning before commissioning.

Maintenance:

• Check the sensor regularly for contamination and correct operation.
• Inspect the water valve and pipes for leakage, blockage or mineral deposits.
• Keep feed outlets and drop pipes free from compacted feed.
• Wash and disinfect the trough between farrowing batches.
• Verify water-dosing accuracy periodically.
• Inspect electrical connections and control components according to the maintenance schedule.

Q1: What does an automatic water-dosing sow feeder do?

It combines controlled dry-feed portions with an automatically measured quantity of fresh water to prepare moist feed directly in the sow trough.

Q2: Is the water added to every feed portion?

The operating sequence can be programmed. In the reference concept, an initial portion can remain dry and water is added when the sow subsequently requests feed through the sensor.

Q3: Can the amount of water be adjusted?

Yes. Water quantity and related dosing parameters can be configured according to feeding strategy and operating conditions.

Q4: Why add water shortly before the sow eats?

Adding water close to consumption time provides fresh moist feed while helping reduce the risk of unused wet feed remaining in the trough for extended periods.

Q5: Is the system suitable for hot climates?

Yes. Controlled additional water provision can be particularly useful in farrowing houses during periods of elevated temperature.

Q6: Can it be integrated with an existing dry-feeding system?

Yes. Compatible water-dosing and sensor components can be integrated with suitable existing sow dry-feed dosing equipment.

Q7: Does the feeder require electronic control?

Automatic sensor-based feed and water dosing requires a compatible controller, sensor, water valve and feed-dosing system.

Q8: What information is required for a quotation?

Please provide the number of farrowing places, existing feeding system, feed-doser type, trough design, water pressure conditions, control requirements, pen layout and project location.