In the pig industry, feed efficiency is essential to maximise animal performance and optimise resources. Dutch hoppers have been a popular choice for years, but the Clikeo Hopper has been designed to improve on all key aspects, providing a more advanced and efficient solution.
Clikeo Hopper: Innovation and precision
The Clikeo Hopper not only takes its cue from the Dutch hopper, but improves on it considerably in terms of control, durability and adaptability. Its design includes a tilting hopper that allows the animals to dispense feed in a controlled manner, together with 17 regulator positions, allowing the exact amount of feed being dispensed to be adjusted.
Key features of the Clikeo Hopper:
- Extended feeding area60 cm of space for two pigs to feed simultaneously, optimising pen efficiency.
- 17 positions of the regulatorThis feature allows precise adjustment of feed flow, which reduces wastage and improves feeding according to the animal's needs.
- Easy maintenanceAdvanced design avoids feed accumulation points, which facilitates cleaning and reduces maintenance time.
- Highly durable materialsThe 304 stainless steel structure and the 70 litre polypropylene funnel ensure greater resistance to corrosion and wear.
- With water outletsAvailable in versions for dry or wet feed, with the option of incorporating drinkers, adapting to different systems with a maximum of 2 nipples.
Compliance with the new drinking fountain regulations
With the recent update of the Royal Decree on animal welfare, it is mandatory for pig farms to have water troughs accessible to the animals at all times. The Clikeo Hopper, in its CK60 or CK61 version, offers the integration of up to two water supply points, ensuring continuous access to drinking water. This not only ensures compliance with regulations, but also facilitates handling by having an integrated feeding and drinking system in a single unit, optimising both space and resources.
Dutch Hopper: Simplicity with limitations
The Dutch hoppers, although functional, have several weaknesses compared to the improvements introduced by the Clikeo. They are mostly made of injection moulded materials, which makes them less durable in corrosive environments. In addition, their design does not include a control system as advanced as that of the Clikeo, which hinders efficient feed delivery.
Limitations of Dutch Hoppers:
- Lower quality materialsThe durability of Dutch hoppers, being made of injection moulded materials, is compromised, especially in humid or aggressive environments.
- Limited feeding zoneDutch hoppers have a smaller intake area, only 40 cm, which creates more competition between animals and reduces feeding efficiency, allowing only one pig to feed at a time.
- Lack of feed flow controlWith a 13-position regulator, they do not allow the amount of feed to be adjusted as accurately as the Clikeo Hopper, which can increase wastage.
- Increased maintenanceDutch bunkers tend to accumulate feed residues in spots that are difficult to clean, which increases maintenance time.
Final comparison: Clikeo as a clear improvement
| Feature |
Clikeo Hopper |
Dutch Hopper |
| Feed regulator | 17 positions | 13 positions |
| Feed capacity | 70 litres | 60 litres |
| Feeding zone | 60 cm (2 pigs at a time) | 40 cm (1 pig at a time) |
| Power options | Yes, with variants for dry/wet feed and drinking troughs. | Wet |
| Tilting box | Yes, with pressure dispenser | No |
| Materials | 304 stainless steel, polypropylene | Injection |
| Cleaning | Easy, no accumulation points | More laborious, with areas of accumulation |
Clikeo Hopper, the logical evolution
The Clikeo Hopper is undoubtedly an evolution of the Dutch hopper. Its improved feed flow control, advanced design and durable materials make it a superior choice for farmers looking to optimise their feedlots. Offering 17 controller positions, an enlarged feed zone and high-strength materials, the Clikeo ensures superior performance and a longer service life, making it an ideal choice over traditional bunkers.
In addition, its ability to comply with the new drinker regulations in an efficient and practical way makes the Clikeo Hopper a comprehensive solution that meets the needs of today's pig farms, ensuring both animal welfare and value for money.