Lessons Learned from Managing Electronic Sow Feeders and Sow Body Weight Data

L L Thomas,S S Dritz,J C Woodworth,J M Derouchey,R D Goodband,M D Tokach

doi:10.4148/2378-5977.1284

Abstract

Lessons Learned from Managing Electronic Sow Feeders and Sow Body Weight Data

Highlights

As many production systems are transitioning from individual gestation stalls to different styles of group housing, there are new challenges for data collection in the gestation barn
We found that even with adequate training, parity 1 sows were reluctant to consume the assigned feed allowance immediately after placement into the pen as well as throughout the course of gestation
Parity 2 and 3+ sows had similar struggles immediately after placement. It is unknown what could be causing this type of behavior, as we continue to generate research within these types of feeding systems, we will continue to Keywords sow, electronic sow feeders

Summary

Introduction

As many production systems are transitioning from individual gestation stalls to different styles of group housing, there are new challenges for data collection in the gestation barn. Electronic sow feeders typically have single enclosed feeding stations that can feed up to 60 group-housed sows per station. The sows each have an ear tag that contains a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder that identifies the specific sow to the system. This type of system is appealing to producers as it allows them to feed sows as individuals while in a group-housed setting. Electronic sow feeders are appealing to researchers because individual feed intakes can be recorded in some of these systems.

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Conclusion