Evaluation of Trickle Feeding Group-Housed Gilts/Sows compared with conventional crates
Feed quantity can be controlled by the hopper. At feeding time (controlled by a timer), the feed is either dropped (no second auger) or it enters the second auger that delivers the feed according to a fixed time schedule. The feed is trickled slowly so that the slowest sow can consume all of her feed and thus it prevents other sows from stealing their feed.
Notice below, the gilt attempting to get the feed of the middle gilt. These gilts were drop fed.
This research is on-going.
e-mail: john.mcglone@ttu.edu