The Sprintomat feeder from Suffolk firm GE Baker Quality Equipment is a free-standing unit that is designed to allow pigs to achieve good growth at the critical stage from weaning at 7kg to 30kg by offering fresh, wet feed at preset intervals.

It will feed up to 50 pigs and operates like an extra stockman, claims the company.

A motor within the 50kg hopper dispenses meal or pellets in small quantities on a timed basis, variable up to 90 minutes. An electronic contactless sensor – rather than a mechanical one – cuts off the supply when feed remains in the trough, avoiding waste and ensuring pigs only have access to fresh feed.

The hopper can be swivelled and the 47cm diameter trough removed for cleaning. The electronic control head can be lifted out before pressure-washing to make the stockman’s life easier and avoid the danger of damage from moisture. It can also be rotated to face the required direction after the feeder has been installed.