Mobile Solar-Powered Automatic Feeder

A Mobile Solar-Powered Automatic Feeder is designed to provide the supplemental nutrition that livestock on pasture need. Consisting primarily of a feed hopper with a feed trough underneath and a motor to open/close the hopper door, these units can be programmed to automatically release set amounts of feed on any schedule desired (e.g., every day, every third day, weekend only). They operate off a self-contained 12-volt battery system that’s maintained by a solar cell and accommodate various feed types (e.g., bulk, textured, cube). As to portability, the feeder comes with skids, is trailer-mounted, or can be fitted with a wheel kit (optional) for vehicle towing. One of the models has a built-in fly control system; another provides an audio feeding signal when ready to dispense. Some models have options that include protective guards for use with goats and other climbers, an agitator attachment for dispensing powdery or sticky feeds, and other custom options such as creep panels to limit access for larger animals.

Cost: $5,500-$8,500, depending primarily on unit size (wheel kits additional)

Impairment Category: Back, Lower extremity, Strength/endurance, Upper extremity