- Exploration: Start early. Begin exposing pigs to the scale right after entry. At first, keep the scale turned off with gates open so pigs can explore the scale when it’s not moving. Additional gates near the scale can be left open to give pigs greater access to the food courts.
- Learning to go through scale: After about three to five days of exploration, initiate a learning session as follows: Arrange pen gates to divide the loafing area into two halves. Empty the food courts and move all the pigs into one half of the loafing area. Close the gates near the scale so pigs have to go through scale to access feed. Block off the one-way gate to the half of the loafing area now occupied by pigs. After 24 hours, note how many pigs are left in this half of the loafing area. Gently herd remaining pigs through the scale and into the food court. Open access gates (near scale) and remove block from the one-way gate for 24 hours. Repeat the learning sessions two more times – with 24-hour breaks in between – or until all the pigs learn to use the scale.
- Train Mode: Once the pigs know how to access the food courts through the scale, activate the scale in the Train mode. This will expose the pigs to the experience of being sorted by the exit gate. In the Train mode, the scale directs pigs alternately left and right so they learn to exit in both directions. Use the Train mode for 24-hour sessions throughout the feeding period – with 24-hour or longer breaks in between.
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