Feed represents the largest cost in pig production, making precise nutrient delivery increasingly important. At a finishing farm in Brittany, France, automated feeding stations weigh pigs during each visit and adjust feed allocation accordingly. By aligning feed composition with individual growth potential, the system improves herd uniformity while offering new opportunities to optimise feed efficiency.
In 2023, pig producer Jean Michel Langlais constructed a new finishing pig house with a capacity of 1,960 animals. The pig house is equipped with 48 so-called “selfifeeders.” The GFI selfifeeder is an electronic feeding station with a built-in weighing system, designed and marketed by the French livestock equipment supplier Asserva.
Precision feeding based on real-time body weight
Every time a finisher pig calls at the feeding station, the animal’s weight is also determined. The amount and type of feed that will be provided is dependent on the outcome of that weighing moment. Similarly, when a target weight is reached, a spray can be administered meaning “ready for slaughter” – the device is mounted on top of the feeding unit’s frame. In other words: no more scales needed nor do producers have to rely on their eyes to judge whether or not it’s time to call for a transport truck.
Langlais was rather good at it: using scales and visual assessment, he used to reach a score of 94% of animals being within the slaughterhouse’s correct weight range. Yet there was room for improvement. That percentage went up to 96% using the selfifeeders. The technology also makes it possible to predict the number of pigs ready for slaughter, up to 2 weeks in advance.
4-phase feeding improves herd uniformity
The selfifeeders provide dry feeding rations. Since using this type of feeding station, the pigs have been growing more consistently, says Langlais: “Using liquid feed, after 200 days I still had about 100 animal in a group of 600 pigs doing poorly. Nowadays there are about 10.” By feeding more according to need, the animals are more homogeneous. Boars and gilts are placed separately, each with their own rations. The farm applies 4-phase feeding in combination with gradual feed transitions. At the feeders’ front end, there are 2 storage compartments, each holding 60 kg of feed.
Frequent small meals stimulate feed intake
The new pig house consists of 6 sections. In the heart of the building is a delivery area housing 280 animals. Each section has 4 pens, each with 2 selfifeeders for 70 animals. In the finishing phase, the pigs visit the feeding station up to five times per day. The feeder dispenses feed portions of 200 g. A small amount of water is provided along with the feed to accelerate feed intake, but most water is consumed via wall-mounted troughs. The selfifeeder gates are open when there are no pigs inside. Once a pig enters, the gates will close and the animal is identified by its electronic ear tag. The animal can eat without being disturbed. A sensor, located inside the trough, helps dispensing a next dose of feed as soon as the trough is empty.
Adequate feed supply reflected in pig behaviour
When the pigs are on their feet, their uniformity is noticeably visible. The animals are also very active as they group together once Langlais briefly enters a pen. Similarly, they gather behind the pen divider as soon as humans are present. However, they don’t line up behind the selfifeeders – a sign that the feed supply is adequate and that no animals are wandering around feeling hungry.
Switch from liquid feeding to automated dry feeding
In December 2024, Langlais renovated another finisher pig house with a 1,330 pig capacity, where he also switched from liquid feed to 38 selfifeeders. That was another significant investment, as a selfifeeder costs about €6,700. The required software was already in place, yet a feed line had to be installed from a Asserva’s Optimat multiphase feeding system to the selfifeeders. The feed is transported to the feeders using compressed air. The software connecting the Optimat to the troughs in the feeders is crucial, as the troughs must not be left empty.
Electronic identification enables traceability
Electronic ear tags are also required, at a cost of €0.65 each. Langlais says, “The electronic ear tags are essential because I produce pigs that are raised antibiotic-free. My slaughterhouse, Cooperl, values traceability and transparency. This allows me to meet those requirements.” Although low-frequency ear tags are an option, the farm uses ultra-high frequency (UHF) ear tags. UHF aligns with the technology used by the slaughterhouse and offers more possibilities, for example, identifying individual pigs within a group.
Investment returns: 4 to 6 years
Supplier Asserva claims that the payback time for the selfifeeders is 4 to 6 years. The exact time depends on how accurately producers used to feed and sort their animals with previous management systems. The benefits would consist of a higher yield/kg of delivered meat, less work, but also from better technical results and a more uniform herd upon delivery.
Software adjusts nutrient supply to growth potential
Langlais has a special focus on trying to reduce feed costs – which means that the nutrient provision is dependent on an animal’s growth potential. To that end, at the slaughterhouse’s request, he is testing Individual Real-Time Intelligent System (IRIS) software. Depending on a pig’s weight gain and feed intake, at night the software determines the formulation for the following day. Should a pig grow above average using relatively little feed, then the animal receives a ration with a high nutritional value. Pigs with less potential, growing relatively slowly yet consuming heaps, will receive a feed with lower energy and amino acid levels.
Langlais also has a third barn, with 1,700 finishing pig places, where liquid feed is still being provided. For that group, Langlais does not have detailed real-time insights. Of the other groups, he can monitor the development and feed intake of the remaining pigs at any time. The growth rate of pigs in the range of 25 to 115 kg is 948 g, with a feed conversion ratio of 2.28. After delivery to the slaughterhouse, he can compare the technical results of the various groups.
