RFID Free-Access Sow Feeder

The RFID Free-Access Sow Feeder combines electronic individual feeding with the protection of a free-access stall. It is designed for pregnant sows kept in groups, allowing each animal to move freely while receiving an individual ration according to body condition, gestation stage and farm feeding strategy.

Each sow carries an RFID ear-tag transponder. When she enters the feeding stall, the RFID antenna identifies the animal and the control system checks her remaining feed entitlement before dispensing feed into the trough.

The self-locking free-access stall protects the sow from interference while eating and automatically allows her to leave when feeding is complete. The modular system is suitable for new sow houses and retrofit projects.

• RFID identification enables individual feeding within group housing.
• Free-access stall provides a protected feeding space for each sow.
• Feed allowance can be matched to individual sow condition and gestation stage.
• Up-and-over entrance system is easy for experienced stall-housed sows to learn.
• Other sows cannot open the occupied station from outside.
• Closed trough-side panels help reduce feed competition and disturbance.
• Reference capacity of up to approximately 20 sows per station.
• Modular station quantity allows system capacity to expand with herd size.
• Automatic recording of feeding visits and feed consumption.
• Abnormal feeding behavior can generate management alarms.
• No compressed-air system is required for the reference free-access stall.
• Suitable for renovation of many conventional gestation houses.

• Free-Access Stall: Provides individual protection while allowing voluntary entry and exit.
• RFID Ear Tag: Provides unique electronic identification for each sow.
• RFID Antenna: Reads the sow transponder when the animal enters the feeding position.
• Feed Hopper: Stores dry feed above the station for controlled dispensing.
• Automatic Dosing Unit: Releases individual feed portions according to the programmed ration.
• Feeding Trough: Receives each portion within the protected stall.
• Up-and-Over Entrance Door: Allows self-locking entry without complicated pneumatic operation.
• Closed Side Panels: Reduce visual competition around the trough area.
• Station Controller: Manages identification, feed entitlement and operating status.
• Central Management Interface: Stores feeding records and supports farm-level monitoring.

The sow voluntarily enters the free-access feeding stall. As her head reaches the trough area, the RFID antenna reads the transponder in her ear tag and sends the identification data to the controller.

The control system checks the sow's programmed feed account. If feed is still available, the dosing unit releases dry feed in individual portions. If the sow has already consumed her allocation, no additional feed is dispensed.

While the sow eats, the stall prevents other animals from accessing the trough. She can leave the station independently after feeding, after which the stall becomes available for another sow.

Feeding visits and consumption data are recorded automatically, allowing farm staff to monitor sow performance and identify deviations from expected feeding behavior.

• Pregnant sow group housing
• Commercial gestation barns
• Dynamic sow groups
• Static sow groups
• Individual precision feeding within group pens
• Electronic sow feeding projects
• Large-scale breeding farms
• Steel-structure pig houses
• Smart livestock farming projects
• Conventional sow-house renovation

• Number of feeding stations
• Group size and pen layout
• RFID ear-tag configuration
• Individual sow feeding curves
• Feed hopper and dosing configuration
• Dry-feed distribution line integration
• Optional water dosing
• Optional sow colour marking
• Optional heat-detection marking
• Central touchscreen controller
• Farm-management software integration
• Mobile monitoring configuration
• New-build or retrofit installation
• Customizable according to project requirements

Installation:

• Confirm sow group size, pen dimensions and required station quantity.
• Position stations where entry and exit routes remain clear and easy for sows to understand.
• Secure the free-access stalls to the approved floor structure.
• Install the feed hopper, dosing equipment and dry-feed supply line.
• Mount the RFID antenna in the designated trough identification area.
• Connect each station to the central control system.
• Register RFID ear tags and assign individual sow feeding curves.
• Test identification, dosing, entrance locking and sow exit before commissioning.
• Train animals gradually when introducing inexperienced sows to the system.

Maintenance:

• Inspect RFID identification performance regularly.
• Keep the antenna and trough area clean.
• Check doors and mechanical locking components for unrestricted movement.
• Inspect feed hoppers and dosing units for bridging or obstruction.
• Review feeding alarms and abnormal station-visit data daily.
• Check wiring, sensors and controller connections periodically.
• Inspect optional water and marking systems according to their maintenance schedule.
• Wash and disinfect station surfaces according to farm biosecurity procedures.

Q: How does the feeder identify each sow?
A: Each sow carries an RFID ear-tag transponder. An antenna in the feeding station reads the tag and the controller retrieves that sow's individual feeding information.

Q: How many sows can share one feeding station?
A: The reference CallBackpro configuration is designed for up to approximately 20 sows per station.

Q: Can several stations be used in one group?
A: Yes. Stations can be added as herd size increases. A reference arrangement uses up to five stations for approximately 100 sows in one group.

Q: Can another sow steal feed from the animal inside?
A: The occupied free-access stall protects the feeding sow and prevents other animals from reaching the trough from outside.

Q: Can each sow receive a different ration?
A: Yes. Feed allocation can be based on individual condition, stage of gestation and the programmed feeding strategy.

Q: Can water be added to the feed?
A: Yes. Optional water dosing is available for suitable system configurations.

Q: Can the system be installed in an existing sow house?
A: Yes. Retrofit projects are possible after evaluating existing pen dimensions, floor layout, feed lines, electrical supply and animal-flow routes.

Q: Can feeding data be monitored remotely?
A: Compatible farm-management systems can provide centralized data monitoring and mobile access according to the selected control package.

Q: What information is required for a quotation?
A: Please provide sow numbers, group size, gestation-house dimensions, feed type, existing pen layout, floor plan, feed-line arrangement, RFID requirements, control requirements and project location.