Big Dutchman's Callmatic 2 is a transponder feeding system for group-housed sows. An infrared sensor at the entrance door identifies that an animal is at the gate. An antenna located inside the trough flap reads the animal's electronic eartag. The trough opens only if the sow inside the station is entitled to receive feed.

The feeder is programmed to drop approximately ¼-lb. of feed and a shot of water every 60-70 seconds, with the amount based on the individual animal, explained Stan Skaro, president of S&S Ag Technologies, Inc., a Big Dutchman distributor. Sows can be fed all at once or they can return to the station multiple times until they receive their full allotment.

Skaro recommended a maximum of 55 to 60 animals per feeding station. The station is available for liquid or dry feeding and is all computer-controlled.

Jeff Feder, DVM, asked how long the system has been in use. Skaro noted the system is new to the United States, but the Callmatic 2 system has been in use for some time in Germany.

Dave Uttecht asked what type of electronic tags are necessary. Skaro said all ISO tags would work with the system. Jay Harmon wondered how close the tags need to be to the reader in order to register. Skaro explained the tags could be read at a distance of 6-7 in.

Harmon also asked about the power requirements to run the system and what type of protections were in place in the event of power failure or lighting strikes. Skaro explained the feeding stations are powered by 24-volt, direct current (DC) through the control circuits. “Computer surge protection and UPS systems are used to minimize power problems,” Skaro stated. “Most sow units have backup generators to supply emergency power.”

Marcia Shannon asked about the key maintenance points for the Callmatic 2 system. “Normal cleanup and system checks take care of the majority of problems,” Skaro said. “The most common problem isn't the station, but in the bridging of feed from the bin delivery system to the station.”

The Callmatic 2 system is available with a variety of options, such as hand-held tag readers and hand-held computer systems.

Prices vary depending upon the options that are included. The basic price of the system is around $14,000 for the first system and about $7,000 for additional feeding stations.

The first system comes with a computer capable of controlling up to 32 electronic sow-feeding stations. One computer is capable of maintaining a database for up to 5,000 sows.

Learn more at www.bigdutchman.com.

Call 616-582-4099.

Healthy Edge Pig Starter is designed for older weaned pigs weighing12-15 lb. Land O'Lakes Purina Feed Swine Research developed the soft-moist pig starter to help support immunocompetence and maximize pig performance after weaning. Healthy Edge Pig Starter has a unique, soft granule form that focuses on optimum palatability for early acceptance.

Healthy Edge Pig Starter is sold in 40-lb. bags for around $25/bag. The product is not available in bulk. Jay Harmon asked about the expected shelf life and Suzanne Petersen, Land O'Lakes Purina Feed Brand marketing manager, said the shelf life is greater than five months for unopened bags, but once the bag is opened, it should be used within 3-4 days.

Jeff Feder, DVM, wondered if the product could be fed to younger pigs weighing less than 12 lb. “We don't recommend Healthy Edge Pig Starter for pigs weighing less than 12 lb. because their nutritional requirements are greater than those provided from Healthy Edge,” Petersen explained. Marcia Shannon inquired about the moisture content of the feed. Petersen replied the moisture content is proprietary information.

Learn more at www.lolfeed.com and www.purinapigstarters.com.

Call 651-765-5522.