With electronic feeding system, sows carry an electronic identification device on a collar or ear tag and feed sequentially at a computer-controlled feed-dispensing station. The design of this station is important in maximising the number of sows which can share it, whilst minimising aggression. Earlier studies carried out with a “double-entry” feed station design, which allowed two separately housed groups of sows to share the same feed dispensing system, indicated a capacity of up to 50 sows (Edwards et al., 1984a). However, studies of this and other rear exit designs showed that, early in the feed cycle, a number of sows congregated behind the feed station and hindered the sow backing out (Edwards et al., 1984b; Smith et al., 1986). Although this did not cause major problems with aggression, it appeared that a forward exit system might improve station use. The following studies were, therefore, undertaken to investigate the effects of different feed station designs on the behaviour of sows using the station.

Sandra Edwards