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Report no. 53004.10.2001
Evaluation of technical performance of tube feeders for WTF
Abstract
The evaluation included feed wastage, adjustability, learning how to operate the feeder, blockage of feeder, caking, cleaning, work environment, and durability and wear. The study comprised the following feeders:
The evaluation of each feeder was summarised in a technical performance index, where the check points most important to the production economy or the pigs’ ability to use the feeder were given the highest weighting. Three stars and thereby the evaluation “good” were given to Ergomat, AP-SWING, and FAABORG 3-IN-ONE WTF 70. The feeders Maximat, FunkiMat and Domino Starfeeder got two stars and thereby the evaluation “below average”. A general feature of all the feeders was that the newly weaned pigs stepped into troughs and drinking bowls as they were otherwise not able to reach the dosing unit. When there was a crowd by the feeder, the pigs often stood across the feeder with one leg or more in the trough or drinking bowl. There was the least moisture on the floor around AP-SWING and apparently also the least amount of feed wastage. There was a slight feed wastage by the feeders FunkiMat, FAABORG 3-IN-ONE WTF 70, Maximat and Ergomat and the floor around the feeders was moist as the pigs often stepped into the drinking bowls to get to the feed. This behaviour often resulted in dirty drinking water. FAABORG 3-IN-ONE WTF 70 had a sufficient amount of adjustment options and was easy to operate. The adjustment arrangements of the other feeders all had defects of varying importance. There were generally no problems with learning how to operate the feeder and blockage of the feeder. There were generally no problems with caking, which was important to the health of the pigs and the performance of the feeders. However, caking under the waste rims was observed on FunkiMat and Domino Starfeeder. The feeders could be emptied of feed using the wash water from the high-pressure cleaner or by activating the dosing unit. It was difficult to clean the dosing units of FunkiMat and Domino Starfeeder as this required tools. All feeders were equipped with a hopper and a lid for filling of starter feeds, but most lids were unable to remain open, which is a requirement during manual filling of a starter diet. With the exception of FunkiMat and Domino Starfeeder, the filling holes were placed too high. There were generally no problems with durability and wear. Parts that broke during the first trial round were replaced immediately. To read report 530 in its entirety as PDF file, please click here. |
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