J. Beneria: “Evofeed helps us reduce the piglets’ digestive issues”

Jordi Beneria was clear about his commitment to having a weaning farm with the latest technologies available. So, after the last addition carried out last year in the family’s farms, Agrobeneria, this farmer wagered on the installation of Rotecna’s multiphase feeding system, Evofeed, in addition to the TR7D feeder and the Ni-2 weaning system. In this interview Jordi Beneria tells us about the management and advantages after almost a year of using them in his facilities.  

Jordi Beneria at the Agrobeneria farm. Photo: Rotecna.

When did you decide to commit yourself to livestock?
It was in 2012 when I finished studying in a vocational training programme. At that time the family farm changed course and we went from sows to weaning, and that’s when, I thought it was a good time to join the family business.

What is the origin of this farm?
In 1974 my family decided to undertake this adventure and it was then that they built a closed-cycle farm. Later, in the 90s we expanded the facilities to become a sows-only farm. Finally, around 2010, we decided to change and restructure all our facilities waging exclusively on weaning. Finally, last year, we made a completely new warehouse.

How is it distributed?
We have three areas: the newest one, which has a capacity for 4,000 piglets; Then we have two more warehouses, one with 2,000 places and another with 1,600. The largest and the most recent of all has four aisles with space for 1,000 animals on each side. In each corridor, we have 24 pens, with 42 animals in each of them.

How many people work there and how are the tasks distributed?
We are currently two people on the farm and my mother helps us in the office since there is always a lot of paperwork to do and it is a complex task. In the pens, much of the work is done in the morning, dividing tasks by zones, while in the afternoon we commit ourselves more to maintenance and revision tasks so that everything is ready.

Why did you choose the Evofeed multiphase feeding system?
When we made the weaning pens, we wanted to have the latest technologies. In this way, one of our priorities was to have an automatic multiphase feeding system that was easy to use, and that would allow us to easily manage the three types of feed we use in weaning. This was our most important necessity. We have always worked with Rotecna products, and when they offered us this system, we decided to try it.

Jordi Beneria with the Evofeed system. Photo: Rotecna.

How do you work with this system?
We have three silos, since the feed we give at weaning is based on three different foods (lacto-initiator, starter 1 and starter 2), and we have two transitions. These are prepared through the digital screen installed on the system, where we can see the feed administered by pens and the scheduled mixtures. The system has a very self-governing and simple way of functioning, and all we do is check that the amounts of feed and mixtures have been supplied correctly.

How do you schedule transitions with your system?
We program them at the beginning of breeding and according to the size of the pigs. In general, we automate them, but they can vary depending on the piglets. The good thing about the Evofeed system is that it allows us to modify the transition days at the beginning of the breeding phase. Thus, depending on the weight with which the piglets enter, we can make the first transition shorter or longer.

What are the main advantages offered by Evofeed?
Evofeed allows us to supply the feed (or feed mixture) we want in each of the pens very precisely. In this way, the animals can have the food for them due to their weight and age, and transfer to the next stage progressively, which helps us reduce the piglets’ digestive problems. Another advantage is meal timing since you can schedule several during the day and thus always have fresh feed in the feeder.

In the work organisation and management aspects, what are the advantages? Is it easy to use?
The most important advantage is that Evofeed is a system that does not give you any extra work. This is a very important time saver. As for its use, it is enough to program transitions. It is a very easy-to-use, comfortable and reliable system.

Also speaking of feeding, they have the TR7D feeder. Why did you decide on this model?
We decided on the TR7D because it is an innovative, large capacity feeder that allows us to serve a large amount of feed.

What benefits stand out from its use?
Its main advantage is that it allows several piglets to feed at the same time, unlike other smaller feeders. In addition, it has a very simple regulation system and can be cleaned very easily.

How do animals adapt to it?
They adapt very well because it is very accessible. Upon arrival, the piglets also have a Rotecna adaptative feeder which they can feed from, although most piglets are started directly at the TR7D feeder.

They also installed Rotecna’s NI-2 Weaning. What led you to make this decision?
We installed them when we made the last pen, therefore, we have only worked with them quite recently. We wanted the piglets to have maximum welfare and energy savings. Following the advice of someone who already had them installed and who had good results with this product, we decided to install it. Under the nest, the pigs have a good temperature, since a microclimate is generated with their heat, and this means savings in farm heating.

Weaning pen with the NI-2. Photo: Rotecna.

How do you work with NI-2 Weaning?
Daily work is very comfortable. During the first days, when the pigs are small, we have the covers down and as they grow, we lift them; also depending on the desired temperature, since the objective is to generate the ideal temperature for the piglets’ welfare.

What are the advantages of working with Ni-2 in transition?
The most important advantage is the comfort that the piglet has. They like to be under the nest. The feeling of well-being thanks to the microclimate that is generated is very snug.

Have they managed to reduce mortality rates?
The pork sector is going through a delicate moment in terms of health. Pens with smaller piglets need more care and comfort, something that Ni-2 weaning provides, thus contributing to reducing mortality. If the pig is hot on its arrival at weaning, it starts off much better.

Do they allow a good cleaning?
Yes. By simply raising the deck we can clean and disinfect the pen without further issues.

What other Rotecna products have you installed?
We have slats, feeders, drinkers, bowls, PVC separators, etc. The whole farm is equipped, almost entirely, with Rotecna products. Above all, we value the quality of Rotecnas’ products, its durability and innovation; it is a brand that always offers us state-of-the-art solutions.

Weaning shed equipped with Rotecna products. Photo: Rotecna.

Healthwise, what are your main concerns?
Right now, the PRRS. The last strain, Rosalia, is a disaster and is causing a significant decrease in piglets.

Given existing health threats, what biosecurity measures do you have on the farm?
We try to be as cautious as possible. In the enclosure of the farm only feed trucks and animal transport enter and leave. We have arranged the low container away from the farm, we have limited visits and we only have those of the veterinarian, etc. The maximum possible measures must be taken.

What are the challenges for the future?
Right now, the most important thing is to move forward and overcome the health and supply price crisis plaguing the sector. On the other hand, we would like to complete the renovation of the farm.