May 20, 2016

Osborne to unveil FIRE^® pig performance testing system at World Pork Expo

  
 

Osborne Industries, Inc., a leader in the development of radio frequency identification-driven swine feeding and management systems will introduce its latest model of the FIRE^® (Feed Intake Recording Equipment) pig performance testing feeder at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa, US.

The Osborne FIRE System is the worldwide gold standard in pig performance testing technology.

FIRE records actual individual feed consumption and body weights of growing pigs in groups, simulating actual commercial production. Time and duration of each meal, total meal events, body-weight change and feed conversion can all be monitored with FIRE.

The new Mark IV FIRE Feeder (pictured, right) features all the same benefits of previous FIRE models, with improvements to minimise maintenance and improve performance accuracy. The feeding station features an all new feed saver front panel, made of impact- and corrosion-resistant pDCPD composite plastic, which helps prevent feed from spilling and collecting under the trough as animals are eating.

The extended flange of the front panel also blocks other debris from gathering under the trough, saving users significant labour time.

Multiple improvements have been made to the new models of the ACCU-ARM^® weigh race (pictured, left) and include anchor brackets that allow users to tip the weighing platform in any direction for ease of cleaning. Additional design improvements minimise the event of multiple animals simultaneously eating from the feeder or standing on the weigh platform.

FIRE's software application, WinFIRE^™, allows for real-time data transfer, improving the monitoring of individual feeders in large systems. WinFIRE generates a number of useful reports to individually identify superior-performing animals.

"The Mark IV FIRE performance testing system is a direct result of customer feedback to improve the system's ease of use and minimise maintenance requirements between tests," stated Brent Brown, engineering manager for Osborne. "At Osborne, we are responsive to feedback from our current customers and continually work to improve user experience with all of our products."