Family Feeder

Optimize your pig farm with the robust VERBA Family Feeder (KZB)

The VERBA Family Feeder (KZB) is specifically designed for sows with farrowing piglets. Made from durable stainless steel 304 with bead edges, this feeder provides both the sow and her piglets easy access to food. The lowered trough allows piglets to eat alongside the sow from a young age.

Benefits of the VERBA Family Feeder (KZB)

• stainless steel drinking nipple: the sow can teach her piglets to eat and drink early, thanks to the integrated stainless steel nipple.
• early feeding: piglets start on solid food as early as five days, aiding their digestive system and minimizing growth checks later on.
• user-friendly: users value its simplicity, affordability, and effective results, such as reducing growth checks.
• quick payback: the family feeding system is a “quick win” for any farrowing pen and quickly recoups its cost.
• improved health: research shows fewer dropouts and less dead lying due to the calm environment created by the feeder. Sows exit the farrowing pen fitter, with a higher feed intake.
• active/fit sows: sows eat fresh feed at their own pace, move more often, and become fitter.
• minimal feed loss: partially closed sides prevent spillage, and small portions ensure that the trough is well consumed.
• space-saving: the trough depth is only 21 cm, making it a compact solution.

Less feed waste

Unlike traditional feeders, the VERBA Family Feed Trough (KZB) reduces feed spillage. Studies show less feed waste compared to conventional sow troughs. Since 2016, over 10,000 VERBA Family Feeders (KZB) have been sold across Europe, with demand continuing to rise.

Available models and options

The family feeder comes in standard sizes of 310mm and 400mm wide. It’s ideal for large litters left in the pen after moving the mother. The 400mm model is the most popular. Additional options include extra water lines, a transparent viewing window, and a piglet drinking tray on the side.

Customer results

• weight gain: “the average weight per piglet after 4 weeks was 800-900 grams heavier compared to my conventional system.”
• less failure: “the failure rate among my weaned piglets dropped by 3% after switching to the VERBA Family Feeder (KZB).”
• improved feed intake: “my sows used to eat 7 kg per day, now they eat 9 kg per day, resulting in fitter sows and better milk production.”
• feed conversion: “my feed conversion improved from 1.66 to 1.55, with an average weight increase of 1 kg per piglet after 28 days.”

Scientific support

Research from Wageningen University & Research indicates that piglets exposed to solid feed in the farrowing pen exhibit better growth, health, and behavior. Trouw Nutrition emphasizes the importance of keeping feed fresh and teaching piglets to eat well in the farrowing pen to prevent post-weaning issues.

Welfare requirements: BLK 1 Star

The KZB Family Feeder meets the Beter Leven 1 Star requirements, which will apply to new construction or remodeling projects starting in 2025, and will become mandatory for all farrowing pens by 2035. The lowered trough allows even farrowing piglets easy access to food, meeting these strict welfare standards.

Conclusion

The VERBA Family Feeder (KZB) provides a range of benefits for both sows and piglets. With proven results and scientific backing, this feeder is ideal for optimizing the health and growth of your pigs. Invest in the VERBA Family Feeder (KZB) today and experience the benefits firsthand!