The Rural Voice, 1986-02, Page 34Established 1876
FULL COVERAGE
PROTECTION
for
FARM - HOME - AUTO
We specialize
in Farm
Insurance.
Call your agent
today. We will
be happy to
discuss your
insurance
needs.
AGENTS
E.F. "Bill" Durst 527-1455
Graeme Craig 887-9381
Robert McNaughton 527-1571
Banter & McEwan . 524-8376
McKILLOP
MUTUAL
INSURANCE
COMPANY
Seaforth
527-0400
SCOTT'S
INDUSTRIAL
& FARM SUPPLY
[Westward Tools
Keto Abrasives
Sandpaper & Discs for Bodywork
Epps Pressure Washers
ALL GRADES OF
NUTS ft BOLTS
RR #4 Tara 519.376.0283
8 ml. W. of Owen Sound o11 Hwy 21
(Con. 10.11 Derby)
32 THE RURAL VOICE
FARM NEWS
A robotic sow
Cross NASA spacecraft
technology with a pig and what do
you get? A robotic sow.
It's most like mother herself —
for a pig that is. The mechanical
mother calls her piglets to nurse
with rhythmic grunts as a row of
nipples automatically appear from
her plastic belly. The idea is the
brainchild of Frank Hurnik, pro-
fessor of animal and poultry
science at the University of
Guelph.
Manufactured by Farmatic Inc.,
of London, the robotic sow made
its debut in front of thousands of
farmers at the Canada Farm Show
in Toronto.
Warren Stein, president of
Thames Bend Farms at Tavistock
says the robotic sow is meant for
intensive operations. He gives the
mechanical wonder mixed reviews.
Stein notes that farmers today
have three major options in deal-
ing with piglets the robotic sow is
designed to save. They can cross -
foster them to other sows, can
wean a sow early, or can use an ar-
tificial means of rearing. If you
have a good set-up, there are no
problems raising the piglets after
they are 10 days old. The robotic
sow can nurse piglets from birth
and can be considered as another
option in artificial rearing, Stein
says. "You must be open-minded
about new products because the
pork industry is very competitive.'
Stein says the robotic sow is an
"acceptable principle" but it must
be cost-efficient for farmers to buy
it. He notes that the price of $4,900
plus freight is a large investment
for the average farmer. He says he
would personally have to sit down
with the figures before making any
conclusions.
Stein, president of one of On-
tario's largest ROP tested and
veterinary approved breeding
stock operations, says that the
value of breeding stock would help
justify the cost of the robotic sow
on his farm.
"I do believe it (the robotic sow)
is excellent technology. And I
know that Farmatic, a local com-
pany, wouldn't get involved in
some fly-by-night scheme, it's not
their style. But is it priced so peo-
Purebred
Yorkshire Boars
Open & Bred Gilts
available
&I TARIO A,a0OA t
LDoar*R FAIR l
We are also starting a small purebred Duroc
herd and now have a few Duroc boars for sale.
R.O.P Tested
Herd Health Classified EXCELLENT * * *
Herd closed since 1979 New bloodlines by
Caesarian & Al. All breeding stock visible in our
new showcase
TED TORREITER
R.R. 2, Palmerston, Ont. NOG 2P0
519.343.2576
STARLINE
Star-trac Ring Drive Silo Unloaders
Roller Mills and Rotaspreaders
Conveyors and Feeders
JM Equipment
Custom belt lacing: all widths
PATZ
Silo Unloaders
Stable Cleaners
Conveyors and Feeders
PARTS AND SERVICE
FOR
Bauman Mfg. Co. Chain and Hog Pens
Beatty Parts
Bruns Feed Carts
Belts and Bearings
GILCHRIST
FARM SUPPLY
R.R. 5, LUCKNOW
ONTARIO NOG 2140
519-395-2851