Learn how continuous monitoring helps producers identify developing production challenges through changes in water consumption, growth performance and other key production indicators.
Damaged Mechanical Switches Cause Problems in Livestock Feed Lines
In the world of livestock production, efficient and reliable feed delivery systems are crucial. These systems often rely on sensors to regulate and monitor feed flow.
Among the most commonly used are mechanical switches and capacitive sensors. While each has its advantages, there are some distinct problems associated with mechanical switches compared to capacitive sensors.
Mechanical Switches: Prone to Wear and Tear
Mechanical switches function through physical contact, which inherently makes them prone to wear and tear. In a livestock feed line, these switches are subjected to constant movement and abrasive feed materials, leading to a gradual degradation of their components. Over time, this can result in:
Increased Maintenance
Frequent replacements and adjustments become necessary as parts wear out. This means more work and more unwanted disturbances to the livestock.
Inaccuracy
Worn-out switches may fail to accurately detect feed levels, leading to overfilling or underfeeding. Every farm manager knows that this will have a huge effect on the production since it increases the risk of mold formation in the litter, leads to feed spill, and influences the growth of the livestock significantly.
Downtime
Failure of a mechanical switch can halt the feeding process, leading to downtime in operations. As with inaccuracy, downtime will influence the growth of the livestock and in extreme conditions lead to a large production loss.
