feed

What constitutes an out of feed event? It’s more than just running out of feed when you need it. Sometimes birds can find themselves on empty due to an equipment issue. But a smart controller system can help you monitor your barn for signs of a breakdown.

Feed System Accident Prevention

For example, many poultry feeders use a pressure switch to tell the motor when it needs to run. If the feeder is full, no need to push any more feed; if it’s empty, it’s time to get the feed system running. But if a drop tube comes loose from the hopper and dumps the feed on the floor, that pressure switch might not get triggered, meaning the system wouldn’t get the message that anything was wrong – other than that a feeder was empty. This means the feed line system could be dumping feed onto the floor, maybe even overnight. If it’s a 3.5 inch line, running 220 lbs a minute all night that’s thousands of pounds of feed making a mess. This can also create a labor issue because someone will have to clean up the spill, loading feed into wheelbarrows and finding a way to keep it from being wasted.

Feed System Alarms and Indicators

A smart controller, such as the EDGE controller, can measure amp draw, so if your system is running excessively – or not at all – you can be alerted that an issue needs to be addressed. You can also set a feed runtime alarm. So, if your fill system has been running for 20 minutes, and you know it only takes five, you can head to the barn to address the issue, but first you can turn the system off – right from the mobile app in the palm of your hand. 

CUMBERLAND EDGE CONTROLLER SAVES POULTRY PRODUCERS MONEY, REDUCES WEAR AND TEAR

Bin Scale Accuracy

Another tool in the smart controller arsenal is the integration with bin scales. Cumberland’s bulk feed tank (BFT) scales and load cells are accurate to within one percent of the actual weight of the feed in the bin, giving producers a better idea of where they stand throughout the production cycle. This lessens the chances they might have to call a reclamation truck after ordering too much feed or make a costly last minute order on a weekend or holiday. [KT1] This also cuts down on the unreliable and unsafe practice of visually checking the bin to assess feed levels. Due to bridged feed in the BFT, this method can also be inaccurate.

Integrator Connectivity

Smart controllers and a quality feed management system can help you predict when you need more feed and can alert you when it’s time to call for a delivery. The system can even connect with integrators to let them know that you’ll need a delivery soon. Integrators can also use the system to plan routes that will make their deliveries more efficient.

Let Cumberland’s feed management system help you keep track of feed inventory, run times and equipment maintenance.

Our Remote Feed Management Program and EDGE controllers can put control right at your fingertips, 24/7.

Let’s say you walk into a restaurant. When your food arrives, the portions are small and it doesn’t look or smell great. You probably aren’t going to eat it, and it’s doubtful that you would be coming back.

Birds feel the same way about feed.

If you want to get the most out of your flock, they have to convert feed well, and in order to keep them coming back to the feeder pan, they need to be happy with what’s in front of them.

Pan Feeding

Here are a few things poultry producers should consider to keep their birds coming back for more:

  • Presentation: Birds want to like what they see in their feeders and waterers. It’s important to keep the feed and water fresh and the feeders and waterers clean. If the birds don’t like the presentation of their feed, they won’t eat as much and won’t grow as efficiently as you need them to.
  • Accessibility: The lip of your feeder or waterer should be even with the bird’s back. This prevents spilled feed and waste – birds won’t eat food that’s on the ground. Each bird needs about 3-4 inches of feeder space and 1 inch of waterer space. This means adjustments will need to be made as birds grow to help them stay productive.
  • Flow: Birds like to have feed available on demand – in fact, it’s essential for good feed conversion. So you need to have consistent feeder flow throughout your barns. A good control pan is key to having the right flow.

PRO TIP

House environment: While this isn’t necessarily considered part of feeder presentation, the poultry house environment can play a big role in how well your birds convert feed. Keeping barns and birds at an ideal temperature is essential to bird health.

THE IDEAL POULTRY ENVIRONMENT

Check out our full line of pan feeders.