Learning

Learning phases

The Learning mode starts after supplying new pigs. The environment is new for the pigs and the most important thing to happen is that the pigs start eating well. The PorkTuner can be seen as a restriction while trying to reach this goal. Therefore, it is very important for the pigs to get familiar with the PorkTuner.

The Learning mode takes 5 weeks and is divided into 5 phases. The default duration of the Learning phases is:

Phase 1: 14 days
Phase 2: 7 days
Phase 3: 7 days
Phase 4: 5 days
Phase 5: 2 days.

When you think some phases should be shorter or longer for your animals, change the time period of these phases.

In Velos, go to Farm and click on the settings icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
Change the number of days of the period(s) you want to change and click on Save. The default time duration has been changed now.

See the table for the instructions per Learning phase.

Five phases of Learning

From day

Description

Actions to take

Learning phase 1/5

New environment. Other pigs to get used to.

The exit doors opened to about 45 degrees.
Pigs have free access to feed.
Pigs have free access to lying area.
The entrance gate and exit gate of the weighing module are open.
There are no moving parts on the PorkTuner.
In this Learning phase pigs only use the left exit to leave the PorkTuner.

Entrance gate -> Reduce air pressure to 2.5 bar.
Exit gate -> Reduce air pressure to 2.5 bar.
Open the fences next to the PorkTuner entrance, so the pigs have easy access to feed. Make sure the pigs have access to all the feed regardless of which exit of the PorkTuner they come from.

Position of the fences for Learning phase 1
Open the three exit doors of the PorkTuner, by means of the chains that are provided on the exit doors. Use 8 of the 9 links of the chain. This makes it easier for the pigs to enter the feeding area if they walk through the PorkTuner.

Set the exit doors for Learning phase 1

15 *

Learning phase 1/5 finished

The status light on the PorkTuner blinks once with an interval. This means that Learning phase 1/5 is finished.

Set the fences in the pen in the correct position for Learning phase 2. Close the fences next to the PorkTuner entrance. Pigs can have access to feed through the PorkTuner only. Pigs can return to the lying area through the return gates only.

Position of the fences for Learning phase 2
Set the exit doors for Learning phase 2. Slightly close the three exit doors of the PorkTuner, by means of the chains that are provided on the exit doors. Use all 9 of the 9 links of the chain.

Pigs get used to more tightened exit doors. It is more difficult now to enter the PorkTuner from the exit sides.

Set the exit doors for Learning phase 2
Push the red button 3 times to start Learning phase 2.

x 3

15 *

Learning phase 2/5

Pigs get used to more tightened exit doors. It is more difficult now to enter the PorkTuner from the exit side.

The opening of each exit door is reduced.
Pigs know the environment, the other pigs and where to get feed.
Pigs have access to feed through the PorkTuner only.
Return to lying area is only possible through the return gates.
The PorkTuner changes its exit (left, middle, right) once a day.

None

22 *

Learning phase 2/5 finished

The status light on the PorkTuner blinks twice with an interval. This means that Learning phase 2/5 is finished.

Push the red button 3 times to start Learning phase 3.

x 3

22 *

Learning phase 3/5

When a pig enters the PorkTuner the entrance gate closes behind the pig.
Pigs have access to feed only through the PorkTuner.
Return to the lying area is only possible through return gates.
The PorkTuner changes its exit (left, middle, right) once a day.

None

29 *

Learning phase 3/5 finished

The status light on the PorkTuner blinks 3 times with an interval. This means that Learning phase 3/5 is finished.

Set the exit doors for Learning phase 4. Remove the chains and keep them in a safe place (for example in the office).

Set the exit doors for Learning phase 4
Push the red button 3 times to start Learning phase 4.

x 3

29 *

Learning phase 4/5

The chains are removed.
Pigs cannot enter the PorkTuner from the exit side anymore.
When a pig enters the PorkTuner the entrance gate closes behind the pig.
When a pig leaves the weighing module the exit gate closes behind the pig.
Pigs have access to feed only through the PorkTuner.
Return to lying area is only possible through the return gates.
The PorkTuner changes its exit (left, middle, right) once a day.

Entrance gate -> Increase air pressure to 3.5 bar.
Exit gate -> Increase air pressure to 3.5 bar.

34 *

Learning phase 4/5 finished

The status light on the PorkTuner blinks 4 times with an interval. This means that Learning phase 4/5 is finished.

Push the red button 3 times to start Learning phase 5.

x 3

34 *

Learning phase 5/5

Pigs will be weighed for at least 24 hours.

When pigs leave the PorkTuner the exit door moves behind the pigs.

None

35 *

Learning phase 5/5 finished

The weight of all animals in the group is known. The status light blinks 5 times with an interval. This means that Learning phase 5/5 is finished. Nedap Velos shows the event Learning finished on the Dashboard. The PorkTuner will remain in Learning mode until it is set in Sorting mode.

None

Preparation Sorting

Set the fences in the pen in the correct position for sorting.

Position of the fences for the Sorting mode
Push the red button 3 times to start the Sorting mode.

x 3

Sorting

Pigs will be weighed and the PorkTuner changes its exit to the left (50% lightest animals) or right (50% heaviest animals) based on pigs weight.

Entrance gate -> Increase air pressure to 4.5 bar.
Exit gate -> Increase air pressure to 4.5 bar.

* days are adjustable