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.
