An IoT Architecture For Automated Microclimate Control In Smallholder Poultry Brooder Cages

Olaide Agbolade, Charles Udekwe, Praise Daniels

Abstract


High mortality rate of nursery poultry birds is a big problem particularly for small holder farmers in most sub-urban regions of Nigeria due to unfavourable climatic conditions and inadequate infrastructure. To tackle these problems, this paper presents the development of an innovative smart poultry cage framework that features a novel integrated air quality and climate control system. The proposed system features sensors to track the internal temperature, humidity and air quality of the cage and provide feedback to farmers in real-time. The system also features a robust communication infrastructure that provides resilience in case of poor network access. The smart cage firmware allows for series of autonomous operations that involves actuation of fans when temperature of air quality degrades to sub optimal levels. Performance analysis of the prototype reveals the system’s high reliability in maintaining preset environmental setpoints within 98 percent of target values. The autonomous ammonia gas buildup mitigation control loop also successfully maintained the air quality to within acceptable standards to ensure chicks’ safety. This integrated smart cage solution offers a technological lifeline to small and medium-scale poultry farmers in rural Nigeria, the opportunity to improve their business economy and scale appropriately by enhancing productivity, reducing mortality and promoting sustainable resilient agricultural practices at affordable cost.

Keywords


Smart cage, poultry birds, brooding, IoT, environmental monitoring

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v59.1.8627

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