Family feeder for sows with piglets

PT0 Family Feeder (KZB)

The VERBA KZB is a standard feeder for farrowing pens, featuring a specially recessed feeding trough that delivers excellent results, developed specifically for free-range farrowing (rearing) pens. The design of the KZB feeder is inspired by nature, where piglets are already eating dry feed at fourteen days old. This is simply because, just as in nature, the piglet imitates its mother. In the case of the KZB, we have observed that the first piglets begin to eat alongside the sow and start consuming feed as early as 4 or 5 days old.

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Key points

  • 1 A feeding trough used by both the sow and the piglets
  • Made entirely from 304 stainless steel
  • ½” stainless steel water connection for the brush, with external thread
  • Dosing mechanism and trough made entirely from high-strength 304 stainless steel
  • After a few days, the piglets start feeding alongside the sow. Saliva production begins.
  • There is practically no drop-off after weaning
  • The prestarter is used much less frequently
  • On average, piglets gain weight a week earlier
  • By the end of the weaning period, the piglets have become fully accustomed to solid feed
  • Both the sow and the piglets can operate the dosing system
  • A unique and very popular feeding trough for the calf rearing and breeding shed
  • Excellent value for money
  • Jarno Brummelhuis, associate breeder at Topigs, in the magazine ‘Boerderij’: “There is no drop-off observed after weaning and there is no weaning diarrhoea here. The family feeder from Verba contributes to this. The piglets remain in the same pen after weaning and know where the feeder is.”
  • Niek Lansink, a sow farmer, in the magazine ‘Boerderij’: ‘Weaning the piglets requires little work and the piglets continue to grow without any problems. This is partly due to the family feeders Verba, thanks to which the animals learn to eat alongside their mother.’
All specifications and models →

Warranty

3 years’ warranty for material and manufacturing defects; drinking spouts are covered by a 1-year warranty for manufacturing defects. All drinking spouts are suitable for water, but not for other liquids.

The product in practice →

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Description

Optimise your pig farm with the robust family-style feeder VERBA (KZB)

The family feeder VERBA (KZB) is the ideal solution for sows with newborn piglets. Made from durable 304 stainless steel with rounded edges, this unique feeder allows easy access for both the sow and her piglets. Thanks to the recessed base of the feeder, piglets can feed alongside the sow from a very early age.

Advantages of the Family Feeder (KZB) from the VERBA series

  • Stainless steel drinking spout: Thanks to the stainless steel teat, the sow can teach her piglets to eat and drink from an early age.
  • Early feeding: Weaned piglets usually start eating feed as early as 5 days old, which helps their digestive system and salivary glands to adapt. This minimises the drop in performance following weaning at a later stage.
  • Easy to use: Users appreciate its simplicity, its affordable price and the results it delivers, such as preventing hair loss after weaning.
  • Rapid payback: The family food system is a ‘Quick result» for each farrowing pen, and it pays for itself quickly.
  • Improvements to health: Studies show that there are fewer stillbirths and piglet deaths thanks to the sense of calm that the feeder provides for the sows. As a result, the sow leaves the farrowing pen in better condition and having consumed more feed.
  • Active and fit: Sows eat fresh feed according to their own needs, get up more often and are therefore fitter.
  • Minimal feed wastage: The partially enclosed sides prevent the contents from spilling out. When serving small portions, the feeder empties completely and the animal drinks all the liquid.
  • Save space: Solo is 21 cm deep, so hardly any depth is lost.

Less feed wastage

The VERBA Family Feeder (KZB) range prevents feed wastage, unlike traditional feeders. Measurements show that less feed is spilled than with conventional sow feeders. Since 2016, 10,000 feeders from the VERBA (KZB) range have been sold in Europe, and demand continues to rise.

Available models and options

The family feeder is available in all sizes, with standard models 310 mm and 400 mm wide. It is also ideal for large litters of piglets that remain in the pen after the sow has been moved. The 400 mm wide VERBA family feeder is the most popular. Additional options include extra water pipes, a transparent viewing window and a piglet drinker on the side.

Client results

  • Weight gain: ‘After four weeks, the average weight per piglet was between 800 and 900 grams higher than under my conventional system.’
  • Fewer absences: “The mortality rate among piglets up to weaning has fallen by 3 per cent following the switch to the VERBA Family Feeder (KZB).”
  • Improved feed intake: “At first, my sows were eating 7 kg a day; now they eat 9 kg a day, which means they are fitter and produce more milk.”
  • Food conversion: “My feed conversion ratio has fallen from 1.66 to 1.55, with an average weight gain of 1 kg per piglet after 28 days.”

Scientific support

Research by Wageningen University & Research shows that piglets that learn to eat dry feed in the farrowing crate grow better, are healthier and display more appropriate behaviour. Trouw Nutrition emphasises the importance of keeping the feed fresh and ensuring that piglets learn to eat properly in the farrowing pen to avoid problems after weaning.

Read the article in *Nieuwe Oogst* on healthy piglets here.

BLK 1-Star Wellbeing Requirements

The KZB Family Feeder meets the requirements for the ‘Beter Leven 1-star’ certification. From 2025, these standards will apply to new builds or refurbishments, and will become mandatory for all farrowing crates by 2035 at the latest. One of the most important requirements is that feeders must have a lowered feeding trough so that newborn piglets can also eat easily. The KZB Family Feeder, with its lowered feeding trough, meets this requirement. As a result, this family feeder complies with the strictest welfare standards for farrowing crates.

Conclusion

The VERBA (KZB) family feeder offers numerous benefits for both sows and piglets. With proven results and scientific backing, it is the ideal feeder for optimising the health and growth of your pigs. Invest in the VERBA (KZB) family feeder today and see the benefits for yourself!

Contact

For further information or to place an order, please contact us via info@verba.nl.

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