Ecodrum Composter

Tri-Form Poly, Inc.

The Ecodrum Composter needs only water, wood shavings and electricity to turn the drum in order to efficiently process mortalities into cured compost. The vessel composter is constructed of UV stabilized polyethylene.

“The polyethylene helps lead to a long, corrosion-free life and features a smooth, snag-free interior,” explains Tri-Form Poly sales representative Timothy Epp.

The composter is built in modular sections so that additional lengths can be added, depending on the size of the operation. A typical size would be 5ft. in diameter by 44ft. long.

Epp says the Ecodrum includes a standard, 24-hour timer and memory chip, preset to rotate the drum once each day. Composted material automatically discharges on every revolution.

There are two loading doors approximately 3-ft. wide by 4-ft. long on the top of the composter. He recommends using a loader to fill the composter.

The Ecodrum Model 460 has a daily capacity of up to 740 lb. of mortality. “This translates to a weekly capacity of approximately 5,180 lb.,” Epp explains. “Our largest model, the Model 660, has a daily capacity of up to 1,110 lb., or a weekly capacity of up to 7,770 lb.”

Matt Thome asked about carbon sources for the compost process. “Most people use wood shavings,” Epp says. “You can reuse cured compost for more than one compost cycle at a rate of about half compost to half new shavings. The carcass-to-carbon ratio is at least one-to-one, by volume.” Many sow operations will add shavings at a ratio of one or two bales for every sow.

Joel DeRouchey asked how long it takes to compost mortalities. Epp says a big sow can be completely composted in about two weeks.

Jeff Feder asked if the motors are designed to sit outside. Epp says the Ecodrum uses exterior grade ¾-hp, variable speed Baldor motors to rotate the composter.

Both Feder and Jay Harmon asked if the composting process has to be modified in the winter. Epp recommends putting the Ecodrum in a sheltered location or surrounding the composter with hay bales. “Don't attempt to compost frozen carcasses,” he advises.

Thome and Harmon wondered about maintenance. Epp says the motor, gear reducers and bearings are the only working parts. There is a 10-year warranty on the polyethylene compost drum. Everything else carries a three-year warranty.

The panel was concerned that the composter may be difficult to load.

“The Ecodrum Composter comes in a variety of sizes. Retail pricing starts at $28,000,” Epp says. Learn more and locate dealers at www.ecodrumcomposter.com or call 204-746-6401, ext. 3.

Feet First Chute

Zinpro Corporation

The Zinpro Corporation developed the Feet First Chute as part of an effort to reduce sow lameness. An international collaboration of researchers, veterinarians and nutritionists make up the Feet First Team.

The Feet First Chute gently and quietly raises sows off the ground, providing easy access to the foot for examination and trimming.

“Research has shown that a great deal of sow lameness can be traced to unequal weight bearing of claw digits, most commonly an unbalanced outer claw,” explains Mark Gerber, Zinpro account manager. “Our goal is to trim the claws so that we distribute weight equally between the claws.”

Gerber says it is common for many sows to develop claw-related lameness problems just prior to the second parity. This can especially be an issue when group-housed sows fight.

The Feet First Chute requires a regular power outlet configured for both 110 volt and 220 volts (USA and European Union). The chute raises 2.5 ft. off of the ground. A three-fold safety mechanism helps keep workers and sows safe. It consists of a safety brake on the winch, safety brake on the steel riser, and a safety locking pin. The chute is 78-in. high, 33-in. wide and 80-in. long. A training video is available to help users understand the proper way to trim feet.

Joel DeRouchey asked if there was a height limitation for sows or boars using the chute. Gerber says there is no height limit. The Feet First Chute can hold a maximum weight of 1,500 lb.

The panel was concerned about the ergonomic impact of having a person bending over to trim the hooves. Gerber suggested a lowered area or operator's pit could be put into buildings. The panel also noted it would be very important to train the hoof trimmers properly so they didn't do more harm than good when trimming feet. They felt it would be crucial to spend time reviewing the training materials with employees. The panel also thought there would be additional potential for using the Feet First Chute in boar studs.

The Feet First Chute sells for $5,800. Learn more at www.zinpro.com, or call 952-983-4000.