KFI began a new program some time ago that required all pigs
to be tagged on both ears Day 1-2. We quickly got set up to tag hundreds of
pigs a day; everything seemed straightforward and efficient. That was until we
observed the toll it took on our staff. Our KFI crew was burning out rapidly
and who could blame them? They were squeezing the tagger on both ears of
hundreds of wiggling pigs while hunched over holding them in place. Whew!
That’s a lot to ask someone to do day in and day out.
Dave knew he had to figure out a solution when his employees
began to dread the task at hand. He had to #1: eliminate the repetitive
squeezing, #2: somehow find a way to more efficiently organize all the tags
before they are applied to the pigs, and #3: speed up the process.
With collaboration, the PigEasy ID Cart was developed. It
wasn’t surprising the benefits of using the ID Cart blossomed after using the
first prototype. Because maybe you’re like me and prefer to read fast, I
compiled a list of the Top Benefits of the PigEasy ID Cart:
1) Saves your Hands and Back
To tag pigs with the PigEasy ID Cart, the operator standing
upright, simply holds the pig in one hand, positions the ear with the other and
steps on the pedal that applies the tagger. That’s it. This means no more
squeezing and no more crouching to tag pigs. Not only do you save your hands
and back from the complications of the repetitive, strenuous task, but you also
get rid of the typical fatigue that shows up quickly into this daily chore.
What this means for you if you’re a
Sow Farm Employee:
You save your body from the arduous job of tagging and are able to be
more effective in this task and throughout your shift each day.
Sow Farm Manager/Owner:
You increase efficiency, employee morale and retention while lowering
risk of workmen’s comp issues in the future. (3 Words: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
2) Speeds Up the Process
The PigEasy ID Cart is set up as a two person job, so someone is always loading the taggers and the other is holding the pig and operating the foot pedals. With everything set up, in place and in close proximity, you can quickly tag a lot of pigs.
Tags are set up on the sheets prior to heading out to the
farrowing barn so organizing is done before the task begins. This makes for a
quick turnaround.
With everything operating smoothly and
efficiently without fatigue, the KFI crew can tag a litter in about 2 minutes. (This
is from the time they arrive to load the pigs in the cart, to finishing up the
paperwork after all the pigs are tagged!)
3) More Uniform Application
Now, I understand that “fast” isn’t always better. But
because the PigEasy ID Cart is operated by two foot pedals, the person tagging
can use both hands to hold the pig and ear in place. It’s a lot easier to get the
placement of the tag right when you’re not handling the tagger and the pig at
the same time.
This leads to an increase in tag retention later in the wean
to finish stage.
4) Increased Organization and Efficiency
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| One of the first prototypes on the farm |
By having all the tags ready on the tagging sheet before you
head out to the barns, you’ll have the tags already organized before things get
hectic in the room. The tagging sheet is also designed so the tags won’t fall
out if you were to drop it.
Speaking of the tagging sheet, there are trays underneath
the hopper for 3 additional trays so you do not have to head back to the office
when you empty one. If you tag by color, you can organize each tray to a
different color and have it close by for simple switching.
Its holding hopper specifically designed for the cart is
large enough for a full litter and deep enough so they can’t jump out.
The PigEasy ID Cart tags pigs quickly, accurately, and with
a lot less effort compared to manual tagging. Take a look at this video to
watch the KFI crew tagging in action:
If you have similar problems with tattooing, no problem! We
can easily convert the ID Cart to accommodate tattooing.
Call (888) 354-0112 for pricing and details.
Until next time,
Katie
