In early 2021, a unique fish feeding system was installed at Thompson State Fish Hatchery to feed fingerling and yearling steelhead Onchorhynchus mykiss. This system was designed by Norcan Electrical Systems Inc. and uses a computerized centralized blowing system to calculate feed amounts and efficiently distribute precise dry pelleted feed quantities to multiple large raceways in two buildings.
This presentation will show the feeding system in action including the centralized feed distribution area and the unique circular selector wheel (aka “Gatlin Gun”), which directs feed to the correct location. Challenges during the process will also be discussed including coordination with the manufacturer during the pandemic, adjustments needed for proper customization to the hatchery, and the learning curve hatchery staff experienced while learning how to best use it.
Benefits of the system include the ease of feed handling from one centralized location, user-friendly software that automatically calculates and delivers precise amounts of feed, the system having relatively few simple moving parts, plus less electricity required as compared to the hatchery’s previous automatic feeding system.