It is important that animals using the Vytelle Feed Intake system can reach the bottom of the troughs and empty the feed. If animals cannot reach the bottom of the trough when feeding adjustments can be made by installing a false bottom insert in the trough. 

Clients are responsible for construction of the false bottom.

1.1 False Bottom Considerations

Utilization of a false bottom will likely require feeding more often as animals must have access to feed at all times.  

1. Be careful of overfilling (overfilling is when animals can reach the feed without their EID tag going past the neck restriction bars).
2. False bottom insert needs to be designed so that it can be easily removed.

• small hole or gap in one of the corners or edges, or 
• a hole with a piece of rope attached through the hole.

3. When completing the pre-trial checklist, the false bottom needs to be in place:

• False bottom does not need to be in place for the calibrations, but does need to be in place when the TSR resets the zero point (offset)   

4. As the animals grows you may need to remove the temporary bottom:

• TSR needs to be notified that the temporary bottom has been removed. 
• Troughs also need to be cleaned and left empty for 10-15 minutes so the TSR can reset the offsets.

1.2 Recommended Measurements 

Dimensions of the false bottom insert depend on what ridge of the trough the false bottom is placed – which depends on the size of the animals. 

Ensure that the measurements are suitable for your needs. Recommended measurements are for advice purposes only – client is responsible for confirming the measurements. 

Plywood False Bottom Insert:

• 5/8” (19mm) minimum height (thickness of plywood)

• 40 ¼” (1022mm) length 

• 27” (685mm) width

• Ability to easily remove false insert