Individual feed allocation for lactating sows
French housing and equipment company Asserva received two Innov’SPACE awards for its Materneo concept – a way to automatically monitor and determine individual feed allocation for lactating sows.
At SPACE, the company introduced an automatic computer feeding system which can help pig breeders to carefully balance the ingredients of two different feedstuffs, the dosage of each, all depending on parity and moment in the lactation phase.
The system is equipped with sensors which automatically refill the sow troughs in portions of 100 g as soon as it is empty. This prevents overdosing or extra need for cleaning.
The system is connected to a computer which gives an easy and quick overview of a sow’s daily consumption. Should any adjustment of feeding patterns be necessary, then this can be moderated easily. The computer programme also comes with an app for adjustments by smartphone.
Video camera surveillance
Additionally, the company received one star for another innovation, called Neo-cam. This consists of video camera surveillance during the farrowing period. It helps breeders observe and monitor the farrowing process and count the number of piglets born. It could also signal immediately when assistance at farrowing is needed.
SPACE is held in Rennes, France, from 10-13 September, 2013.
Related website:
Asserva
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