Ontario, CAN
These Little Piggies
This project was the culmination of 2 previous research projects focused on feeding nursery pigs.
Previous projects had studied the feeding behavior of nursery pigs to inform the design of a better nursery pig feeder. A prototype of a programmable timed, pulse feeder was built and tested, and Kinder Ground supported the next phase of development.
The Goal:
Reduce Weaning Stress, Improve Health & Welfare
Funding provided: $10,432.69
Animal lives improved each year: 1,200
This project is focused on improving the health and welfare of weaned pigs in nursery barns. One aspect of the young pig’s health is the negative energy balance associated with the stress of weaning and failure to begin eating dry feed resulting in a negative energy balance. Optimizing the availability and freshness of feed especially during their first few days in the nursery, may help to improve intakes and avoid a catabolic state.
Previous work helped the team understand that nursery pigs prefer to eat in groups. The data collected indicated that ad lib feed delivery from gravity-fed in-line feeders commonly used in nursery barns do not support the young pigs dynamic feeding patterns.
The project team designed and built 2 micro-processor controlled automated feeders designed to dispense feed in alignment with the nursery pigs preferred pattern. The next step is to incorporate lessons learned and design a product that is fit for commercial environments, including a remote, touch screen feeder control.
The Outcomes:
Fresh Feed and Early Signals
This project is on-going. Every nursery faces the challenge that pigs are reluctant to start eating dry feed within a day of weaning. Wetting their feed can encourage them to eat. The downside is that wet nursery feed goes sour if it sits too long in the warm nursery room.
A programmable feeder allows farmers to eliminate this problem by providing multiple smaller meals designed to meet the weaned pig’s normal feeding pattern while avoiding buildup of stale, rancid feed residue.
What Farmers Are Saying
“It does seem to me the real-time tracking of feed consumption in comparison to target could be an effective method of proactively identifying upcoming pig health issues.”
- John, Project Team Engineer, BC Canada
Rules of Thumb: Developing a new feeding system requires teamwork! Curious and resourceful farmers, wicked smart engineers, your favorite swine vet, and willing volunteers for product testing!
