WEDA launches innovative straw dispensing system for sow housing

• WEDA introduces a fully automatic straw dispensing system aimed at enhancing animal welfare in pig farming while minimizing labor.

• The system includes a modular straw bale shredder that efficiently breaks down square bales using toothed rollers and a paddle mechanism.

• Straw is gently conveyed to pens and precisely distributed via specially designed metering valves, available in pneumatic or electric versions.

• Valve design prevents blockages and allows controlled dosing, with optional dividers enabling distribution across adjacent pens.

As a leading supplier of livestock housing equipment to the agricultural sector, WEDA Dammann & Westerkamp of Lutten is presenting a fully automatic WEDA straw dispensing system, designed to improve animal welfare in pig farming: the fully automatic WEDA straw dispensing system with an 80 mm pipe diameter. The new system has been specifically designed to provide pigs with high-quality enrichment materials on a continuous basis whilst minimising labour requirements, and at the same time to meet the strict statutory animal welfare requirements in a highly efficient manner.

Robust and modularly expandable

This innovative system solves one of the biggest challenges facing modern pig holder: the time-consuming, manual distribution of straw. The new WEDA system is based on a robust, modularly expandable straw bale shredder, which completely breaks down square bales using three powerful toothed rollers and an integrated paddle mechanism.

Precise distribution into the pens

Via a durable chain conveyor, the straw – up to 80 millimetres in length – is transported directly to the pens via a chain conveyor system in a way that is gentle on the material. Precise distribution into the individual pens is achieved via specially developed metering valves. Farmers can choose between pneumatically controlled double-acting valves for precise, dynamic feeding or a cost-effective, electrically powered cable-pull variant with a linear actuator.

No blockages in the valves

Both valve types have a defined discharge volume of around 10 litres – equivalent to 300 - 400 grams of straw per outlet – and feature a slightly conical shape and a mechanical blade that consistently prevents the valves from becoming blocked. Optional, adjustable stainless steel straw dividers also allow for the precise distribution of a single dose across two adjacent pens.