Experience has indicated that starting the feed cycle in the evening for overnight feeding may reduce activity behind the feeder with benefits of lower aggression levels. This feeding strategy means that the bulk of sows feed overnight and sows which have not been through the feed station can then be dealt with during the working day. It also means that the feed stations are not so busy in the day facilitating training of sows and gilts. Computer Facilities Feed Allocation Daily feed allowance is allocated by the stockman on an individual basis to every sow. Overall feed allocation can be programmed to fit feeding curves as specified on an individual or herd basis.
Most systems incorporate a shedding or capture facility.
This will divert sows which have been selected by the stockman, for example sows required for transfer to the farrowing house, into a separate pen. This is mainly applicable for larger groups. Great attention needs to be given to the design and management of capture facilities to ensure that large numbers of sows are not inadvertently diverted into small pens designed for a few sows. Action Lists Action lists are produced by the computer on demand to indicate which sows have not consumed any or all of their feed. Action lists do not give warning of an empty feed hopper.