Self-feeding versus hand-feeding

As for feed intake and weaning weights, can a self-feeder match what an experienced team can do by hand-feeding? That question was recently answered by a trial at a high production, 2,400-head sow cooperative in central Illinois. The trial was overseen by veterinarians at the Carthage Veterinary Service and the University of Illinois. Two hundred sows with similar genetics (PIC Cambrough) were observed. The sows were controlled for parity (1st or 2nd). Half the sows were fed with traditional, open trough Farmweld sow feeders. The other half was fed using new Farmweld LaborSaver Sow Feeders. Sows on the traditional feeders were fed 4 lbs (1.82 kg) for the first two days after farrowing then fed according to consumption 2X per day beginning the third day. Sows on the new feeders were fed ad lib from the day of farrowing and maintained on full feed throughout lactation. Cross-fostering was allowed only within the first 24 hours after farrowing. Target weaning age for this herd is 18 days.