Lumina 71
Basic principles
6
3.
Basic principles
This chapter explains the basic principles and the terminology used in the Lumina 71. When setting up a group of
animals follow the following steps:
1. Determine the feeding method (see "Feeding methods" page 6)
2. Determine the feeding curve (see "Feed curves" page 6)
3. Determine the feeding cycles (see "Feed cycles" page 9)
3.1
Feeding methods
Feed can be supplied in the following ways:
•
Dosing
Only one portion of feed is given during each feeding cycle. The size of the portion depends on the selected
feed curve.
•
Registration (Ad libitum)
Feed is supplied when the trough is almost empty. In this situation, a sensor placed in the trough sends a signal
to the control computer. The size of the portion depends on the selected feed curve. During a feeding cycle the
control computer can supply repeated portions of feed, depending on the animals' eating speed.
•
Dosing / registration
This method can be used if the amount to be dosed is greater than the trough capacity. Just like the ‘Dosing’
method a fixed amount of feed is supplied per feeding cycle. If this exceeds the trough capacity, the control
computer will regularly check if the trough sensor is uncovered. More feed can be supplied until the total feed
amount has been reached.
Select the required feeding method when setting up the animals. Set and change the feeding method per
feed place.
3.2
Feed curves
Curves allow you to enter the amount of feed an animal will be given per day during its lifecycle. You can create
curves for various purposes (breeds, feeding patterns etc.).
A feed curve is entered in the control computer based on bending points (represented by dots in the example). The
control computer calculates the feed amounts between two bending points, based on the amounts entered at the
bending points.
The feed data in a feed curve always applies per animal per day (i.e. 24-hour period). The days entered in the feed
curve are referred to as bending points. Enter the following data for each bending point:
•
The curve day
•
The theoretical weight per animal
•
The amount of feed per animal
•
The feed composition
•
The feeding cycles to be used
The feed curves can be set in the control computer, see "Feed curve" page 36.
