Handy material

Dry-wet feed hoppers (mixed hoppers) differ from dry feed hoppers in that the piglet obtains feed and water at the same spot.

Different research articles suggest that feed consumption and growth are greater with these hoppers than with dry feed hoppers. Nevertheless, there is no consistent proof of improvements in the feed conversion ratio.

Since feed consumption is quicker when the pig can eat and drink at the same time, the dry-wet feed hoppers allow to feed a greater number of animals per centimetre of hopper. On the other hand, they require a bit more of management with regard to their regulation than the dry feed hoppers.

There are several hopper models that differ in their regulation system, their capacity and the material with which they are made.

The critical points to bear in mind in this kind of hoppers are:

•    Regulation of the distribution of feed: it is essential that it is precise and easy to handle. This will cause a greater or lower feed wastage.
•    Depth and height of the tray where the feed is provided. This will determine the accessibility to the feed, but we must also avoid that the small animals may step on the feeder, increasing feed wastage.
•    Physical separation of water and feed: there are hoppers that seek a more 'physical' separation between water and feed, and other hoppers offer the piglet the possibility of soaking the dry feed and producing a mush. In both cases, the design of the hopper is important so the water source is kept clean and to avoid that the mush plugs the feed supply.
•    Durability and cost: the materials with which the hopper is made will define the durability, and therefore, the long-term cost.

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