A new fully automated straw dispensing system has been developed to improve animal welfare in pig farming while reducing the labour required to distribute straw across livestock pens.
The system is designed to provide pigs with a continuous supply of high-quality enrichment material while helping farmers meet animal welfare requirements more efficiently.
Robust and modular design
One of the key challenges in modern pig farming is the time and labour required to distribute straw manually.
The automated system addresses this with a robust, modularly expandable straw bale shredder. Square bales are processed using three powerful toothed rollers and an integrated paddle mechanism, breaking the material down before it enters the distribution system.
This approach allows the straw to be prepared for controlled delivery while reducing the need for manual handling.
Precise distribution across pens
Once processed, straw measuring up to 80mm in length is transported using a durable chain conveyor system.
Specially developed metering valves then control the distribution of straw into individual pens.
Farm operators can choose between two valve configurations. A pneumatically controlled double-acting valve provides precise and dynamic distribution, while an electrically powered cable-pull system with a linear actuator offers a more cost-effective alternative.
The two options allow the system to be adapted to different farm requirements and levels of automation.
Designed to prevent blockages
Each valve has a defined discharge volume of approximately 10 litres, equivalent to around 300–400 grams of straw per outlet.
The valves feature a slightly conical design and an integrated mechanical blade intended to prevent straw from becoming lodged during operation.
Adjustable stainless-steel straw dividers are also available, allowing a single dose to be distributed between two neighbouring pens.
Supporting automated livestock farming
By automating the processing, transport and distribution of straw, the system can reduce repetitive manual work while providing more consistent access to enrichment material.
The technology demonstrates how automation can be applied to livestock housing to address both labour efficiency and animal welfare.
As livestock producers increasingly adopt automated equipment, systems that combine precise material handling with modular controls could play a growing role in modern pig-farming operations.