“The accuracy that it would provide would be beyond anything we have now,” Matthew Thome notes,

“I like the application if it doesn't slow down the water flow rate and volume of water to the pigs,” DeRouchey says. “It's more advanced from a technology standpoint than other dosers. For those who don't have water metering systems, this would be a way to track daily water usage.”

Joseph Zulovich felt the product could be used for whole-farm water treatment. “If you have to use chlorination, for example, this product could help accomplish that without affecting your water system. It has sensors that could deal with bigger pipe sizes. The 100-psi capability would allow you to put the product at the well or at the booster pump that is supplying the farm. The cost would be justifiable if you were using it for the whole farm,” he says.

Husby says the SelectDoser Max sells for between $1,100 and $1,400. The price includes the SelectDoser Max control unit; modified Stenner pump; and assembled, ready-to-install plumbing accessories. The appropriate size tubing is also included and is customized for the farm.

Learn more at www.GenesisInstruments.com; call (715) 639-9209 or email brianh@genind.com.

Feed-Ease Splash Feeder
A.J. O'Mara Group

John O'Mara, president of A.J. O'Mara Group, in collaboration with Brehmer Manufacturing, Lyons, NE, had a goal in mind when they created the Feed-Ease Splash Feeder. “Our thinking when designing this feeder was to try to obtain the benefits of wet feeding at a younger age,” he says. The stainless steel feeder makes fresh, wet feed available to weaner through finishing pigs.

Water is contained in a shielded, open water pipe above the feed trough. Pigs work a paddle located above the trough to drop feed and splash down water. As pigs grow, their ability to work the paddle more vigorously means more water and feed are dispensed. Hopper agitation helps high-fat and finely ground feed flow smoothly. An end-of-feeder water cup and water level valve offer additional fresh water. An adjustment lever located on each end of the feeder regulates the amount of feed the pigs can get. Feed flow can be shut off completely using the levers.

The feed pan is 4½-in. deep. A lip on the edge of the trough keeps pigs from dragging feed out of the feeder. The Feed-Ease Splash Feeder's patent-pending design targets pigs from 12 to 300 lb.

The feeder is mounted to the pen with brackets on each end and can be positioned between two pens. A variety of feeder sizes are available. The 84-in.-long, six-hole feeder has a waterer on each end of the feeder.

Joel DeRouchey asked if pellets could be used in the feeder. O'Mara says pellets will work fine.

Matthew Thome and DeRouchey also asked if there is a way to clean out the water intake tube and wondered if feed would end up in the intake area. O'Mara says feed is blocked from entering the intake area. An intake tube cleanout is provided with the feeder.

O'Mara says the company has been testing the feeder for eight months. A six-hole feeder, with three holes on each side, sells for $575. The feeders are covered by a one-year warranty.

“This was an interesting design concept that was different from other wet-dry feeders in terms of the way the feed and water get mixed,” DeRouchey says. “You don't have an actual nipple in the feeder, but instead get water through the splashing.”

“The feeder sets the mixing rate, as opposed to the pigs setting the mixing rate. They don't get feed without water,” Steve Menke observes.

“Being able to shut the feeders off instead of having to run the feeders empty would be convenient,” says Thome.

Joseph Zulovich liked having the gauge at each end of the feeder, making it easy to see feeder settings.

Learn more at www.ajomara.com; call (605) 242-4742 or email ajomara@longlines.com.

Thorp Stainless Steel Door
Thorp Equipment, Inc.

Thorp Equipment, Inc. introduced the new Stainless Steel Doors to the market in December. The impact-resistant, pre-hung doors are made of two layers of 18-gauge stainless steel and do not require paint. According to Jeff Sauer, Thorp Equipment outside sales manager, the doors are fully insulated and ready to install and feature a double-paned, insulated window.

Designed for interior and exterior use, the doors are approved for highly corrosive conditions, such as hog production facilities. Solid, welded hinges and jambs and reinforced thresholds contribute to the doors' durability. Three extra-heavy-duty, stainless steel hinges are screwed into both the frame and the door. The standard door jamb is made for wood structures, but Thorp Equipment can provide masonry jambs for cement buildings. A flange on the exterior of the door makes installation easy.

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