scholarly journals Construction and Evaluation of a Vertical Motorized Feed Mixer

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-41
Author(s):  
Adedeji M. A. ◽  
Adegboye T. A. ◽  
Adesina I. K. ◽  
Ajayi O. O. ◽  
Azeez N. A.

In order to reduce the overall cost of poultry production by small scale farmers, a motorized feed mixer was modified, fabricated and evaluated. The mixer consists of an outer drum, an inner mixing chamber and an auger. All these components were vertically oriented for mixing operation. There was a hopper located at the base of the mixer for loading the materials and a chute for the discharging of mixed products. It was modified to work through a central rotating auger fixed on a shaft that carries a pulley of diameter 185 mm. The rotational motion was transmitted from a motor through a V-belt to the pulley shaft. A 5-0 hp electric motor with 1440 rpm was used to drive the machine. Mixing was achieved as the auger conveyed the feed materials from the bottom to the top, in a continuous rotational motion. The mixer was evaluated using a whole corn kernel (WCK) at 15.35 % (d.b) and small pieces of coloured paper (CP) of 5x5 mm² as tracers in ground maize as base materials. The auger pitch was reduced from 90.0 mm to 85.0 mm to increase the number of pitches from 10 to 12. This modification increased the throughput capacity of the mixer from 50.0 kg to 70.0 kg. The mixed material was delivered through the delivery chute after mixing. Mixing time values evaluated were 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0 mins. The test results showed that maximum mixing occurred at 6.0 mins for coloured paper and 8.0 mins for whole kernel corn.

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Elpawati Elpawati ◽  
Achmad Tjachja Nugraha ◽  
Ratu Shofiatina

<p>Indonesia poultry consumption has increased year by year, with the average positive growth rate of 4.6%. This situation can be a chance for both small and large scales of poultry farmers, considering that poultry consumption is increasing every year. The rate of poultry production in Gunung Sindur was correlated with the amount of the existing poultry farms. Romli Farm was a small scale poultry farm in Gunung Sindur, Bogor. This poultry farm, with no partnership, could independently survive amongst the many other existing farms. However, although the opportunities were wide open, this business was not always viable for the farmers because many of small-scale farmers could not be able either to increase the income or to carry on the business. This research aimed to study the income, financial feasibility (NPV, IRR, Net B/C Ratio, and PP), the BEP of Selling Price, and the BEP of Product in Romli Farm.</p>


Author(s):  
Wilson RT ◽  

Poultry production is an activity that is engaged in by a majority of traditional small-scale farmers around the world. The percentage of participants engaged in this enterprise exceeds all those participating in other forms of domestic livestock production. Domestic fowl (“chickens”) are overwhelmingly the main species around the globe world but at least eight other species of bird are reared with regional preferences for one or the other type. A multitude of breeds or varieties are present within species which provide a genetic resource of truly inestimable value and whose genes need to be conserved for posterity. Output of live birds, meat and eggs is low in the mainly extensive or semi-intensive production systems but input costs (labour, feed and medicines) are also low. Poultry contribute to poverty alleviation, household food security, create opportunities for employment and are an asset that can be rapidly converted to income. Women and children are often the principal beneficiaries of small-scale production both as managers and owners. Housing is often rudimentary, the mainly scavenged feed is of inadequate quantity and quality and health interventions are minimal except for vaccination against the plagues of Newcastle Disease and Avian Influenza. Marketing of surplus birds or product sales is largely informal but the system is quite appropriate for the sector. Official policies relating to traditional production are often minimal. There are opportunities for improved production and thus for contributing to human welfare in training of owners in management and in improving nutrition and health of the birds.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 001-007
Author(s):  
Fawohunre Ademola Jerome ◽  
Olajide Omotayo Gabriel

A motorized cowpea threshing machine was developed and evaluated to meet the need of small – scale farmers in the developing countries especially Nigeria. A power rating of 0.75 kW, fan speed of 826 rpm, beater speed of 418 rpm were used for the design. The driver and driven pulleys of 59 mm and 198 mm were used respectively. Two varieties of cowpea were used to evaluate the performance of the machine. The evaluation results showed that average threshing efficiency, cleaning efficiency, percentage of grain damage and throughput capacity were determined to be 83.6, 71.1, 4.4%, and 74.5 kg/hr respectively for Ife brown variety and 84.9, 68.5, 4.7%, and 73.0 kg/hr respectively for IAR 48 variety. The investigation was conducted at three levels of moisture content of 13.5, 14.5 and 15.5% wet basis. Based on the performance of the machine, effective threshing of different varieties of cowpea with minimum grain loss, improved threshing capacity cleaning and efficiency were achieved and yet good quality products was achieved.


HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 530a-530
Author(s):  
Brad Bergefurd ◽  
Gary Gao

Speciality crops are great alternative cash crops for small scale farmers. Small scale farmers are constantly searching for viable economic crops to grow. We have been conducting applied research on the production and marketing of culinary herbs, oriental vegetables, colored peppers, and muskmelons to name a few. These crops show excellent potential for southern Ohio. Field demonstration, seminars, and surveys were used to gather and disseminate information on these speciality crops. More than 230 people attended our seminars on alternative cash crops. More than 150 people attended our field days. In addition, we had identified many chefs that are willing to purchase from local speciality crop growers. It will be a win-win situation for both chefs and growers. Growers will be able to maximize their profitability while chefs will receive fresh and unique produce. As a result of our research, we were able to show small scale growers what they can grow successfully and how they can market their crops for most profit. These applied research projects received a combined funding of $10000.00 from OSU Extension-Innovative Grant program. These projects are a great way to establish credibility among clients. We would also like to demonstrate how other extension agents can help their clients. A lecture utilizing slides and overhead transparencies will be the format of the seminar.


Agrekon ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Mengistie Mossie ◽  
Alemseged Gerezgiher ◽  
Zemen Ayalew ◽  
Zerihun Nigussie

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 385
Author(s):  
Beatrice Nöldeke ◽  
Etti Winter ◽  
Yves Laumonier ◽  
Trifosa Simamora

In recent years, agroforestry has gained increasing attention as an option to simultaneously alleviate poverty, provide ecological benefits, and mitigate climate change. The present study simulates small-scale farmers’ agroforestry adoption decisions to investigate the consequences for livelihoods and the environment over time. To explore the interdependencies between agroforestry adoption, livelihoods, and the environment, an agent-based model adjusted to a case study area in rural Indonesia was implemented. Thereby, the model compares different scenarios, including a climate change scenario. The agroforestry system under investigation consists of an illipe (Shorea stenoptera) rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) mix, which are both locally valued tree species. The simulations reveal that farmers who adopt agroforestry diversify their livelihood portfolio while increasing income. Additionally, the model predicts environmental benefits: enhanced biodiversity and higher carbon sequestration in the landscape. The benefits of agroforestry for livelihoods and nature gain particular importance in the climate change scenario. The results therefore provide policy-makers and practitioners with insights into the dynamic economic and environmental advantages of promoting agroforestry.


Author(s):  
Alexandria Brewer ◽  
Jose F. Alfaro ◽  
Tadeu Fabricio Malheiros

Abstract Aquaponics technology has recently been offered as a good option for sustainable food systems among small-scale farmers, particularly those seeking an organic production or dealing with land quality constraints, such as urban farmers. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence for the capacity of small farmers to adopt the technology. The unique requirements of aquaponics may create technical, economic and even cultural constraints and opportunities. This paper uses empirical evidence gathered with small-scale farmers in São Carlos, State of São Paulo, Brazil, to present the capacity of adoption for the technology, including possible limiting factors and incentives for farmers. The study conducted interviews with owners of ‘agriculturas familiares’ (Portuguese for small family owned farms) within 30 km of São Carlos. The interviews revealed that there is widespread interest in the potential profitability of aquaponics systems, significant interest in environmentally friendly practices, familiarity with organic production and hydroponics and a large base of agricultural knowledge in the community that can drive adoption. However, lack of initial financing, limited human power and concerns about product placement were significant barriers to adoption. For settlement farmers (those working on land formerly abandoned) poor soil quality and water scarcity are key issues that could be alleviated by the technology. The city of Sao Carlos present program for purchasing specific types of products from these farms could be used as a model for increasing aquaponics adoption and relieving success concerns.


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