Electronic Sow Feeding

What is ESF?

Electronic Sow Feeding (ESF) systems are designed to deliver precise and individualized nutrition to sows in group housing environments. These systems utilize radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags to identify sows and provide the exact amount of feed needed based on various factors, including parity, body condition, etc.

A benefit of ESF is the ability to improve feed utilization. By aligning the feed quantity with the changing nutritional needs of sows during gestation, these systems help maintain optimal body condition while minimizing feed waste. Additionally, these systems can automate the control of gilt estrus and regulate feedback programs to stimulate immunity against autogenous pathogens.

This technology can improve the efficiency of feeding and support the overall health and productivity of the herd. It can automate tasks such as marking animals for vaccination or selecting sows for transfer to farrowing.

Our work has focused on the implementation of ESF on commercial farms in the U.S. and Canada.

• We have employed a variety of approaches to ESF including static versus dynamic pens and pre- versus post-implantation group formation.
• These choices were dictated by farm-specific details, and none were found to preclude outstanding production.
• Successful implementation of ESF cannot be captured without some forethought on how the barn will be staffed and how staff will be trained. In the end people have the biggest impact on the outcome.
• We see ESF as an important and readily implementable alternative to the gestation stall that offers a tool for producers to advance the management of their sow herds.