Development and optimization of small- scale inverter-powered incubator for egg hatchability system

Abstract

An indigenous small-scale inverter powered incubator for egg hatchability system was developed. The aim of this study was to produce egg hatchability system using locally available materials for small and medium scale farmers. The major components of the systems include incubation box, heating system, heat circulation system and egg turning mechanism. The Box-Behnken design (BBD) of Response surface methodology was used to study the influence of input variables and optimize the incubation conditions. Temperature (36, 37.5, and 39 °C), humidity (50, 55, and 60%), and air flow (0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 m/s) were input variables and hatchability was the output variable. Regression model for the hatchability system was developed, and the optimum incubation condition was determined and tested to validate the model. The results showed that hatchability of the incubator ranges from 55 to 98.4%. The developed regression model adequately described the hatchability. The input variables significantly influenced the performance responses. The optimum incubating temperature, humidity, and airflow were 37.08°C, 57.57%, and 0.25 m/s, respectively. The predicted optimum hatchability obtained under these incubating conditions was 99.15%. The experimental (test) hatchability values obtained at the optimal incubation conditions during validation was 98.70%. The test value being relatively close to the predicted value of responses, with percentage error values less than 10%, indicates that the difference between the experimental (test) data and the predicted data is within the acceptable range, confirming the suitability of the optimal incubating conditions produced by the RSM. These findings suggested that the developed automatic electric incubator can be used to produce chicks commercially.