A Complete Management Tool

 The Osborne TEAM, Total Electronic Animal Management, system is designed to assist in the total reproductive management of gilts and gestating sows kept in large-group pens.  Information from the TEAM system is based on individual and unique identification of each sow using radio frequency identification (RFID).

The TEAM system performs its tasks by using information such as animal ID, feed, weights, breeding information, availability tracking, auto-sorting, and record keeping that is entered into a personal computer (PC).  The PC reminds the user when management actions are needed, maintains basic production records, and summarizes the records into useful reports.  Reports and "attention lists" can be printed daily or periodically to remind employees of management actions that are required or to assist the producer with important management decisions.  

A System Built on Workstations

 The TEAM system uses automated information-based equipment, called workstations, to perform specific "chores".  Both the fulfillment of these 
chores and the associated biometrics are collected at the workstations.  Each TEAM workstation is fitted with a small computer which is responsible for identifying each animal and executing the commands sent from the centralized computer.  The information obtained by each TEAM workstation helps extend the ability of your best-qualified personnel to understand the immediate status of every animal.   

The TEAM workstation for feeding gilts and gestating sows is a called a G-station™ .  The G-station is designed to provide protected eating for each gilt or sow in its turn without waste of time or feed.  With over 15 years of practical experience, the TEAM G-station is a realistic alternative to gestation crates.

The TEAM E-station™, is the powerful workstation for detecting estrous in gilts and sows.  The E-station is extremely useful for availability planning for gilt development units, for assisting in detecting first estrus in weaned sows, and for identifying return to estrus in groups of gestating animals.  The E-station is also very reliable at finding animals that would otherwise go unnoticed.  

The TEAM F-station™, delivers an alternative electronic farrowing management (EFM) method to conventional farrowing crates.  Feed is offered on a lactation feed curve to match requirements of each free-stalled sow, and piglets are allowed to commingle after several days. Although performance is good, critical evaluation of the details of EFM remains to be completed.  

Many Accessories Available

The TEAM system is fully compatible with automatic data acquisition using the Osborne ID Logger™.  Data interchange with popular sow management programs is fully supported.  TEAM workstations can be equipped with automatic Spray Marking for animals that need attention.  Automatic split-pen feeding is another option for smaller gestation groups.  Automatic separation and automatic weighing are also fully anticipated with this system.  

The TEAM system is truly a total management tool, which advances the potential for the use of electronic ID.  The TEAM system truly is a team of applications working together to improve the management ability and profitability of the user.