Hog Slat® SowMAX Handbook
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The SowMAX Handbook Feeding the Lactating Sow with SowMAX

Introduction Feeding lactating sows is a tough job. Training farrowing house personnel to do the job correctly may be one of the biggest challenges a unit manager faces. As stated in Feeding the Lactating Sow (Frank Ahrene, 2005) “The objective of the farrowing barn staff must be to maximize sow feed intake. Whether sows are fed manually or by automatic feeding systems, they should be fed a minimum of twice daily, preferable three or more times per day, and have fresh feed available to them at all times.” This same pamphlet goes on to say “...many sows, especially parity 1 and 2 sows, do...

The SowMAX Feed Dispenser We think the SowMAX feed dispenser is the most effective tool for feeding lactating sows that any producer can utilize. SowMAX offers these advantages: 100% Stainless Steel construction. There are no plastic parts to wear or go out of adjustment. No motors or electronics. Many systems use a metering motor to dispense the feed and ear tags to start the motor. SowMAX uses the simple action of the sow activating a lever - no motors to replace or ear tags to lose. Adapts to existing feeders and delivery systems. Choose from a 20 lb. hopper for hand filling or install...

Feeding Procedure Prior to farrowing (110 -114 days), hand feed 2-3 lbs. twice per day. Set the adjustment lever on the side of the dispenser to its widest opening. Place the feed into the hopper and hand activate the trigger lever to assure animals can manipulate the feed action. Activating the lever gets the sows up and accustom to using the SowMAX trigger. This training is especially important with first litter gilts. Continue to hand feed this limited ration until three days after farrowing. On day three, fill the hopper full in the morning. Later in the day check for feed disappearance...

Check for excess feed in the feed pan. If excess feed is present, move the side adjustment down to a lower setting to limit the amount of feed delivered with each levered stroke. Also, check for the presence of wet feed in the feed pan. If the feed is wet, make the necessary adjustments to nipple placement or reduce water line pressure to prevent water from spraying into the feed pan. Fill the hopper again in the afternoon of day three. Continue to fill the hopper morning and evening through the remainder of the lactation period. The SowMAX dispenser holds approximately 6.5 pounds of feed....

Checklist to Order SowMAX for Existing Crates We will need some additional information to help you determine the best method of incorporating SowMAX dispensers to your existing farrowing crates. Generally, SowMAX is mounted onto a head gate instead of bolting directly onto a feeder. This allows for feeders to be easily pivoted or removed for cleaning. First, take a picture of the farrowing crate door frame and the head gate with your smartphone. This will help describe the type of drop rods and clips on your equipment. Size of the feeder also determines the mounting location for the SowMAX...

Click http://www.hogslat.com/HSIHeadGate/HeadGate to access the electronic version of the diagram. Fill in the dimensions, contact information, and click the send button. To send photos, click HERE on the same form to create a separate email to webinfo.us@hogslat.com. Attach any photos of the head gates, crates and feeders. Our sales staff will use the diagram and photos to quote attachments needed to add SowMAX dispensers to your existing crates. To access the diagram from a printed version, go to www.hogslat.com and search for SowMAX. Located under the Resource tab, is a link to the head...

With SowMAX you’ll do a better job of feeding lactating sows, and you’ll do it with less work. Fill the hopper daily, and fresh feed is always available...day or night. Reduce labor. Reduce feed waste. Feed your sows better. Small Bowl Sow Feeder Large Bowl Sow Feeder SowMAX Dispenser SowMAX Hopper Learn more about the advantages of SowMAX dispensers feeding weaned sows in breeding. Go to www.hogslat.com and search for SowMAX. You’ll find blogs and videos with more information. Newton Grove, NC 28366 ©2015 Hog Slat, Inc. All rights reserved.