Which feeder is best for my farm?

One of the most important pieces of equipment in pig production is the feeder, considering that it is directly related to feed intake. Between 60 to 80% of the cost of production passes through the feeder every single day.

Choosing an appropriate feeder is critical to achieve good productivity on the operation. Many questions arise when it’s time to choose the right equipment.

When looking for an ideal feeder (whether for use in gestation, farrowing, the nursery, or in growing/finishing) one should keep a few things in mind:

• Feed and water waste in the feeder
• Impact on manure production
• Feeder management
•  Animal performance: maximizing genetic potential
• Cost of the feeder

With this in mind, Crystal Spring, with more than 40 years of experience and proven achievements in the swine industry, has developed the best feeders to work directly on these key points and maintain the highest level of quality and efficiency in the production system.

In their interest to reduce feed and water waste in the feeder, Crystal Spring works hard to develop its consolidated line of wet/dry feeders, which have two unique, patented technologies that help control feed and water flow in the feeder. The first is their nipple with Adaptive-Flow:tm: technology, which adjusts the water flow in the feeder for each stage of growth no matter what the pressure in the barn is. The second is the EZ-Adjust:tm: feed shelf adjustment system, which was designed for easy adjustment of the feed flow in 1.5 mm increments, ensuring precise adjustment, and preventing variability with the different types of feed used (mash or pellets).

In terms of manure production, the wet/dry feeder technology allows the animal to consume dry feed or to mix it with water within the feeder, reducing the need for additional drinkers in the barn and reducing feed and water waste. Reducing water waste is also a factor in minimizing the time- and therefore the cost- required to pump, transport, and process the manure produced by the animals.

When it comes to feeder management, Crystal Spring understands just how valuable time is on the farm. That’s why feeder management has been simplified; allowing the feeder to be adjusted at the start and then two to three times more during the time the batch is in the barn, depending on the needs of the production system.

In addition, the combination of technology that the Crystal Spring wet/dry feeder has ensures the best rates of gain by allowing an increase in average daily gain of approximately 5.4%, an improved feed conversion ratio, and an impressive 35- 45% reduction in water waste.

In terms of cost, Crystal Spring^® feeders pay for themselves in 2-3 batches on average, thanks to reduced feed and water waste and a better feed conversion ratio. The feeders also have a longer life (15+ years) compared to other conventional feeders.

Choosing the right feeder is not a simple task, and one should consider all factors that affect production. Using the appropriate feeder will not only determine the effectiveness of the animal nutrition program, but will also ensure that the animal reaches its maximum production potential and the maximum return for the producer.

Are you interested in our feeders? Send us an email or visit our website for more details.