Development of a Computerized Automated System for Feed, Water and Sanitation Management in Animal Farms

Abstract

Frequent visits into animal farms either for cleaning, feed or water dispensation are a possible means of viral, and bacteria propagation into and out of the farms. The need for these visits compels the farmer to live in the farm and devote considerable time to these activities. A well-controlled automatic feed dispensation/water management system can considerably reduce labor and prevent frequent farm visits. This can in turn promote social distancing especially during the outbreak of epidemics.  A solar energy powered automatic system for feed, water dispensation and sanitation management was developed for animal farms.  It was made up of an Arduino UNO board, a water level/or feed sensor, a DS1307 Real Time Clock (RTC), two potentiometers, a buffer, an sim900 mini v3, a relay module for Arduino, a display (LCD) for visual monitoring of events. It was programmed to periodically command electric motors to release a desired quantity of feed and water into different troughs as well as open hydraulic valves to spray a jet of high pressure water to clean the enclosure.  Required data was fed into the program by the farmer depending on the daily needs which in turn depend on the animal species, age and husbandry requirements. The system communicated with the farmer through a GSM card after each operation. Initial tests of the prototype revealed minimum of 83.33% efficiencies for all the units. The module was able to report to the farmer minutes after completing each task. It was concluded that such a system can considerably reduce labor in animal farms as well as disease propagation.