"Now the sows have an average of 15 piglets and they milk like Holstein cows"

Bjørn Ståle Bekkeheien
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Bjørn Ståle Bekkeheien
Pig Producer

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World

Where

Nærbø
Stavanger
Norway

Where
Sow

Facts

Weaner production
120 sows

Facts
Norwegian producer increases sows' performance with FREEDA Location Feeding

Upgrading to dry feeding has led to healthier sows, higher weaning weights and improved farrowing results

On his farm in Nærbø, just 30 km south of Stavanger, Bjørn Ståle Bekkeheien runs a diversified farm with 120 sows in 7-week farrowing groups and a herd of 40 dairy cows.

With a strong focus on animal health and performance, Bekkeheien recently made a forward-thinking decision to completely modernise his pig production facilities.

"We previously had a Datamix wet feed system from 2003," he explains.

In the summer of 2024, the farm was emptied of pigs and completely renovated – including the feeding system and pen layout.

For feeding, Bekkeheien made a forward-thinking decision and chose the FREEDA Location Feeding system, an automated solution designed for precision feeding of lactating sows.

"I was tired of wet feed and errors due to fermentation in the system," he explains. "I quickly decided to switch to dry feed. I wanted a system that could be controlled on feed curves, allowing for multiple daily feedings and easy administration, so I chose the FREEDA Location Feeding system."

BjørnStåleBekkeheien_profile

”Everything has been a success, and the results keep getting better. Now they have an average of 15 piglets and milk them like Holstein cows.”
Bjørn Ståle Bekkeheien

 

BSB_LoFe4

”I wanted a system that could be controlled on a curve, allowing for multiple daily feedings and easy management, which is why I chose the FREEDA Location Feeding system..”
Bjørn Ståle Bekkeheien

Precision feeding supports health and growth

With FREEDA, each sow receives fresh, small feed portions according to a preset feeding curve, which helps maximise feed intake during lactation.

This approach supports stronger milk production, improves the sow's body condition and fitness, and reduces the risk of complications after farrowing.

"Everything has been a success, and the results are improving. Now they have an average of 15 piglets and milk like Holstein cows," says Bekkeheien.

In modern pig production, especially with high-yielding sows such as TN70 from Norsvin Genetics and SPF herds, precise nutrition during lactation is crucial to maintaining the sows' energy balance, ensuring the piglets' vitality and supporting efficient reproduction.
For Bjørn Ståle Bekkeheien, the desire to achieve these goals meant that he had to abandon his old wet feeding system.

Less work - more insight

Automatic feeding with FREEDA Location Feeding not only provides more consistent feeding, but also frees up working time and reduces the need for manual adjustments and cleaning up spilled feed.
Bekkeheien has noticed a significant difference between the previous system and the new solution.
"There is a big difference from the old wet feeding system.
The sows are healthy and eat well. There is no longer a need for nursing sows or milk for the piglets."
The high level of health and performance is directly reflected in the results.
"I sell my piglets at 30 kg when they are 8.5 weeks old,and the last piglets leave
at 10 weeks and 34 kg."
 

Better results, simpler everyday life

In an industry where up to 70% of production costs are related to feed, proper feeding during the nursing period can make a significant difference.
With a system that enables frequent feeding, real-time monitoring and precise dosing, Bekkeheien now has better control, stronger results and an easier everyday life.

‘TN70 + SPF and a good feeding system = success,’ he says with a smile.

Facts

Increased milk production and larger litters

Increased milk production and larger litters

Reduces manual workflows

Reduces manual workflows

Less feed waste leads to better results

Less feed waste leads to better results

Agrisys

Read more about Location Feeding Electronic Sow Feeding (ESF) Overview of solutions for sows

More than technology – experience that makes a difference in everyday life

At Agrisys, we don't just work with equipment – we work with your reality.
We have many years of experience in developing solutions for modern pig production, and we know the demands you face:
Efficiency, animal welfare and financial results – every day.

That is why we deliver well-thought-out systems and solutions that work in practice.
From automated feeding, weighing and bedding to data you can actually use.
Whether you run a single herd or an integrated production, you get access to specialised knowledge, reliable technology and support
that accompanies you every step of the way.

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Stay up to date with the latest news and insights from Agrisys. Here, we regularly share relevant tips, inspiration, and stories focused on animal welfare, innovation, and efficiency in pig production.
Explore our blog posts and news updates below – created to support you and your operation in your daily work, helping you stay ahead with the best solutions and industry trends.

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