Precision feeding based on individual daily body weight of group-housed pigs with an automatic feeder developed to allow for restricting feed allowance
Résumé
A feeder prototype has been developed by IFIP and an equipment manufacturer to
perform precision feeding for 96 group-housed growing pigs each equipped with
a RFID ear tag. A sorting station, placed on force sensors, allows for weighing
pigs individually and orienting them towards (i) five automatic feeders (AF), as
long as daily feed allowance is not reached, (ii) a pen for specific care, or (iii)
the life area otherwise. Each AF can deliver (min. 30 g) and mix two diets, and
is connected to a computer that calculates the daily dietary allowance per pig,
based on time (initial BW × 0.04 +27 g/d up to 2.4 (gilts) or 2.7 (barrows) kg/d),
body weight (BW) and feeding strategy. A trial was performed to assess the
proper functioning of the system and to compare two feeding strategies (2- vs
9-phase strategy, called 2P and 9P) with different amino acid supplies depending
on the BW range. Four pigs did not adapt to the system after 7 days. Seven
pigs were removed because of accidents or health issues. Eleven pigs did not
consume their feed allowance on more than 4 non successive days. During the
first week, it was due to the high occupation rate of AF. Growth performances of
74 other pigs were characterized. Average daily gain (2P: 787, 9P: 774 g/d), feed
conversion ratio (2P: 2.70, 9P: 2.74) and carcass leanness (2P: 65.2, 9P: 65.1%
muscle) were similar for both strategies (P > 0.22), but cumulated N intake was
reduced with the strategy 9P (4.55 vs. 4.65 kg/pig, P = 0.05).