Warming pig feed

TO STIMULATE the appetite of young piglets, GE Baker is introducing an optional new warm feed version of its Transition Feeder.

The feeder is designed to help piglets through the post-weaning period by providing wet feed automatically on an hourly basis, mimicking the sow’s milking pattern. This reduces stress and helps avoid growth checks, adds the company.

The new version will contain a heating element to raise water temperature to about 32C before it is mixed with the feed. This avoids keeping a reservoir of mixed feed warm for long periods, which can lead to bacteria multiplication, says GE Baker.

The new feeder will cost about £735 (01359 240 529; fax 01359 242 086).