More flexibility with the upgraded Farotek farrowing feeding system

25 September 2024

We have added several convenient new options to our Farotek feeding system for sows in the farrowing house. These upgrades enhance the functionality of the sensor ball for a more flexible feeding process and greater ease of use.

The Farotek is a feeding system designed to feed sows individually in the farrowing house. Farotek calculates each sow's daily ration based on a feeding curve, taking her body condition into account. This ration can be dispensed in one or several portions throughout the day. By moving the sensor ball in the trough, the sow can determine when she wants to eat. As a result, she eats smaller amounts more frequently, improving feed intake. Once the sow has consumed her full portion, the system stops dosing until the next feeding time.

With the following new options, you can perfectly tailor the system to meet the needs of your sows and your working methods:

Flexible feed portions

Each time the sow moves the sensor ball in the trough, the Farotek dispenses approximately 60 grams of feed into the trough. During the stay in the farrowing pen, the feed amount increases significantly. To prevent the sow from having to touch the sensor ball much more frequently, the amount is now adjustable and can be increased in increments of 60 grams, up to a maximum of 1200 grams. This means that the sow needs to touch the ball far less often to receive the full portion of feed. The portion size is set in the feeding curve for each sow.

Manual feeding

With the new 'manual feeding' option, the system dispenses the entire feed portion at once into the trough. This way, you can intervene in situations where the sensor ball malfunctions, ensuring the sow always receives her feed. This setting is also very useful during cleaning, as it prevents unnecessary feed from being dispensed when the sensor ball is touched. This helps prevent feed waste.

Disabling feeding per section

When sows are transferred to the farrowing unit and are not allowed to receive any more feed that day, the feeding system can be disabled per section.

The new options are easy to set and/or monitor via the Touchtek control unit in the section. Clear icons on the control screen allow you to see at a glance whether the settings are active, ensuring convenience and minimizing errors.

With these new options, the Farotek system is even more practical. More frequent feeding in smaller portions, with the sow determining when to eat, results in better feed intake, improved milk production, and optimal condition for both the sow and her piglets.

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Flexible feed portions

Manual feeding

Disabling feeding per section

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