AGS™—Automatic Gestation System
Overview
AGS™—Automatic Gestation System— is Schick
Enterprises’ large pen gestation solution. If you’re
looking for an alternative to conventional gestating methods,
look to AGS™.
Why AGS™?
AGS™ automates large pen gestation while providing sow-level
access (access to individual sows). While there are other gestation
systems on the market, none can boast as many capabilities and
benefits as AGS™. AGS™ utilizes RFID technology to
feed, track, separate and sort groups of up to 150 sows. Tasks
such as feeding, vaccinating and preg-testing are simplified
using this automatic sow management tool. Better sow conditioning,
minimized sow aggression and less maintenance are just a few
of the benefits growers experience when using AGS™.
How It Works
A room is divided into two primary areas. The larger area is
for feeding, and the smaller area is for loafing. The feeding
area is a mass feeding system made up of Trickle-Feeding stations.
There is also an area designated for light feeding.
Sows have access to the loafing area from the feeding area via
one way gates. They have access to the feeding area from the
loafing area via the Interrogator.
The Interrogator is
where, upon entering, sows’ RFID tags
are read. Any tasks associated with a sow’s tag
are performed. Tasks include painting, sending to light feeding
area, sorting
to alley and sending straight ahead back to normal feeding area.
AGS™ vs. Feeding Station Systems
| |
AGS™ |
Feeding Station Systems |
| Method of feeding |
Mass feeding—all sows fed at the same time |
One sow is fed at a time within station |
| Training |
No training required |
Training required to learn to eat in station |
| Sow aggression |
Little to no aggression |
Significant aggression—fighting while waiting for
their turn to eat |
| Maintenance |
Feeding continues as usual if Interrogator is out of order |
Feeding cannot be accomplished if station is out of order |
Benefits
- Better sow condition
- Minimized aggression
- Browser-based interface
with remote accessibility
- Utilizes RFID technology
- Feed savings
with lower stress levels
- Special feeding area for light
animals
- Minimum maintenance
with less fencing and stainless steel AGS™ Interrogator
|
