Operation
The feeding system is rectangular (3 x 14 meters) and contains a circular chain to which the feed bowls are attached. Each feed bowl has a high front with a feed opening. All feed bowls together form the feed barrier with a high front.
On each long side of the feeding system there is only one place (at the beginning) where the goat can insert its head in the feed opening. Then, it is clamped in and moved sideways with the food bowl. After about 5 minutes, it will be at the end of the long side and is then released by the feeding system. With a 2-sided system, this happens on both long sides of course.
On every visit by a goat to the feeding system, the amount of concentrate to be supplied is determined by weighing. This is the most accurate dosing method. Due to this method of dosing, many different types of feed (chunks, flour, scrap), each with their own specific weight, can be supplied, without the feeding system needing to be recalibrated each time.
When a goat enters the feeding system, it sticks its head through the feed opening. She is identified using her electronic ear tag and animal identification.
The feeding system collects the goat data and assesses whether this goat is allowed to have feed. If so, the feeding system then determines how much it is allowed to have and which type of feed(s). If it is not yet allowed to have any feed, it will not receive anything, but will remain in the feeding system. The feed data of this goat expires, and another goat comes forward. If a goat does not have an electronic ear tag, or the ear tag is defective, the animal will not receive any food. When it locks itself into the feeding system it is automatically scanned (option). In this way, a goat without an ear tag is easy to detect.
At the end of the long side, the goat is released again, and its head is led out of the feeder. The goat then leaves the feeding system.
A safety device is installed at the entrance as well as at the end of the long side of the feeding system. If a goat lags when entering or leaving the feeding system and this takes too long, the safety switches on, causing the feeding system to stop temporarily. The goat is then given the opportunity to remove itself. Then the safety is automatically switched off and the feeding system starts again.
Contact
Geitenbelang
Rijndijk 179 a
2394 CB Hazerswoude Rijndijk
Telefoon: +31 (0)71-532 83 05
E-mail: info@geitenbelang.nl
Video: Geitenbelang YouTube
Folders: Dutch, English, French