Yorkwold Pig Pro is one of the most progressive pig production businesses in the UK, with 8,000 breeding sows housed across 10 breeding farms.
Managing Director Richard Riley is passionate about driving the business forward by paying close attention to the optimal pig equipment for both economic success and animal welfare. Richard was drawn to Big Dutchman given the brand’s enviable reputation and the wider Dewhirst Farming Group’s Newquip connection on the poultry side of the business. Fast forward two years and Richard now has a DryExactpro weight-based feeding system and over 240 ActiWel farrowing frames in operation. Richard says, “Big Dutchman and Newquip have been very receptive to the requirements of our business. We did not want to go for an off-the-shelf product, but a system that has been built around us. Having longevity and continued support are massively important for creating great partnerships.”
The DryExactpro
The DryExactpro is a computer-controlled dry feeding system, which works with a weighed batch mixer that has a capacity of 70 litres. This makes it possible to supply an individual feed mix to every valve, and with a very high mixing quality and accuracy. Having this level of control was one of the key reasons why Richard opted for the DryExactpro. He explains, “We are in the process of running our own trials on our fully slatted pig farm from weaning through to finish, so it was essential that our feed system would allow us to generate very accurate data. We can get feed intakes down to pen level so the data is gathered at an individual pen level. There is no room for error. When we are in a position that we can measure the gains, we hope to roll out the improvments across our other sites.”
A huge benefit of the DryExactpro is the ability to create an individual feed mix for each valve, so there is the option of automatic feeding based on age, weight, pen or room. Richard adds, “We haven’t even properly tested the system’s capabilities! Being able to see what each pen of pigs is doing is a huge advantage for their health and wellbeing. Their sensor will detect if they need more or less feed, so we can tell if something is wrong and act quickly. It is also cost-efficient because by getting the requirements right, we cut down on overflows. It is still early days but the investment is starting to pay off and we hope to soon see the benefits.”
ActiWel Variable-Restraint Pen
With the expectation that Defra will pass legislation on pen requirements in the near future, flexible farrowing is the future for pig farmers. It provides more space for the sow, allowing for temporary confinement during birth or routine tasks in order to protect both the piglets and staff. Big Dutchman’s ActiWel frame is a great choice for flexible farrowing because it is very easy to open and close in just four steps, offering easy access to the sow without even having to enter the sow area. Richard says, “We looked at lots of variations, but the ActiWel provided the best functionality for our staff. Because there are fewer moving parts, it is very simple and easy to manage. It’s a one-person job to move the sow back in with her piglets. We started with 100 ActiWel pens three or four years ago, adding another 140 last year. We have just put in another order of 420 to be installed at the start of next year because we are so happy with how things are going.”
Richard was aware that the move to flexible farrowing had the potential to impact performance but he was keen to create an environment that would be sustainable once the new regulations come into play. He explains, “As expected, the mortality rate was slighter higher when we first moved to flexible farrowing, but we are now settled on the right dynamics. This is a system we are still refining, but so far with greater floor space and increased appetites from our sows, we are seeing weightier piglets at weaning.
“Continuous improvement of our practices and our facilities is key to the strength and future prosperity of the business. We aim to supply our customers with the quality of pigs that they require, produced in a way that is sustainable whilst prioritising a working environment that is great for our people, allowing them, in turn, to take the best care of our pigs.”
If you would like any further information about Big Dutchman pig equipment, please call Newquip on 01677 428600 or visit www.newquip.co.uk