By the WniF editorial team
TThe latest Verba Vario-Mix dry feeder from the Dutch manufacturer Verbakel BV is computer-controlled to help reduce feed wastage and can now automatically add water to the feed.
The new unit, pictured above left, which is designed to feed 40 pigs (in a single pen if placed centrally, or 20 on each side if the pen is divided), has a bar that the pigs can lift to dispense feed, but this is not directly connected to the dispensing mechanism. Instead, it sends a signal to a computer which decides whether feed should be dispensed or not.
This prevents the pigs from “playing” with the dispensing bar, too much food coming out, and the expensive product being wasted.
Up to 20 of the latest Verba Vario-Mix feeders can be connected to a single controller, but at present all the units must share the same settings for the number of times the feeder can be activated in an hour, the amount of feed dispensed each time and how much water is dispensed alongside the feed – a new feature on the unit.
The company says a controller capable of supporting different settings for each feeder is currently being developed.
Verba has also launched a new dry feeder for piglets, pictured above on the right, which is designed to fit into the partition between two pens.
This latest model features a water dispenser that allows water to be mixed with the food.
The Verba Piglet Feeder has a capacity of 10 litres and is designed to feed 25 piglets on each side, weighing between 5 and 20 kg.
