Development and evaluation of a high efficiency egg incubator for small-scale poultry farmers

Abstract

The evolution of the incubation process over the years is characterized by significant scientific and technological development. The research aimed to develop a modern, cost-effective, and energy-efficient incubator with a capacity of 186 eggs, targeting small-scale local poultry farmers. The system incorporated a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) to control temperature, a Direct Current (DC) motor to rotate eggs for uniform heating, and an AT89C52 Microcontroller to manage the entire incubation process. A Proportional–integral–derivative controller (PID) within the microcontroller maintained the temperature at 37°C-37.7°C using mathematical models developed for the incubator, actuator, and PID controller. MATLAB Simulink was employed for controller design and simulation, with Zeigler-Nichol tuning optimizing temperature control parameters. Humidity, maintained at 60% set at for the initial 18 days and then maintained at 70% till hatching. The turning of eggs was accomplished using tilting trays controlled by a programmed electric motor. The trays were tilted at an angle of 45° on either side of the horizontal axis 4 times per day. To test the incubator, 50 fresh, healthy, well-developed, and matured eggs were incubated. Conventional small-scale incubator was used as a control for compare the properties of the prototype incubator using 50 eggs. Egg and chick quality parameters, hatchability measurements and Pasgar score were measured before and after incubation period to evaluate the performances. Egg Quality parameters revealed few disparities between the two incubators. Chick weight, length, and feather length showcased nuanced differences among both incubators. Although the prototype Incubator exhibited marginally higher mean chick weight, the prototype consistently yielded chicks with longer lengths and feathers. The prototype incubator consistently produced chicks with notably higher Pasgar Scores. While both incubators displayed high hatchability rates, the prototype Incubator's slightly lower rate of hatchability (82.97%) and hatchability efficiency 82.97% indicates a scope for optimization in this aspect for more trials. Comparative Analysis highlighted the prototype Incubator's promising energy efficiency and costeffectiveness, despite a marginally lower hatchability rate compared to the Conventional Incubator. Both systems, however, recorded a mortality rate of 0%, signifying successful incubation outcomes. Conducting additional trials with diverse batches of eggs would contribute to the optimization of incubation conditions, providing valuable insights and recommendations for small-scale poultry farmers.