U18cm1033 Proposal
U18cm1033 Proposal
SYSTEMESS NETWORK.
By
HARUNA D AUWALU
U18CM1033
Supervisor
May, 2025
ABSTRACT
The poultry industry plays a crucial role in global food security and economic development, yet
it faces significant challenges related to labor costs, feed efficiency, and animal welfare. So,
there always comes a need for improvement in the field of agriculture. This project is an
automated real-time Poultry Feeding system that is intended to provide automation for poultry
feeding poultry farmers are performing diverse operations manually which result in production
and laborious cost of human involvement in poultry farms, this led to huge financial loss as a
result of their inability to properly automate. This project proposal outlines the design and
distribution, reducing labor requirements, and enhancing the overall health and productivity of
poultry. These challenges in the poor feeding system of birds prompted this research work by
developing a real-time poultry feeding system based on (Arduino board) that could mimic the
roles of the poultry attendants in feed dispensing for birds at specified time intervals. In this
project, the user is allowed to control the poultry faster and more efficiently. The project will
begin with a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the key challenges faced by poultry
farmers, including feed wastage, inconsistent feeding schedules, and the labor-intensive nature of
traditional feeding methods. Based on this assessment, we will design a modular feeding system
equipped with sensors to monitor feed levels and environmental conditions. In conclusion, the
management, leveraging technology to address critical challenges in the industry. This project
aims to contribute to the advancement of modern poultry farming and support the growing
INTRODUCTION
As the demand for poultry products continues to rise due to population growth and changing
dietary preferences, there is an increasing need for efficient and sustainable farming practices.
One of the critical aspects of poultry farming is feeding, which directly impacts the health,
growth, and productivity of the birds. Traditional feeding methods, often labor-intensive and
time-consuming, can lead to inefficiencies, increased labor costs, and inconsistent feeding
schedules.
Traditional feeding methods require significant manual labor, which can be costly and time-
consuming. Farmers often need to monitor feeding schedules, refill feeders, and ensure that all
birds have access to food, which can be particularly challenging in large-scale operations.
Traditional poultry farming relies heavily on manual feeding systems, where farmers
distribute feed multiple times daily to ensure birds are adequately nourished, monitor feed levels
which is laborious and time-consuming, especially in large farms. For example: In small-scale
farms, farmers often spend hours daily filling feeders manually, leading to high labor costs and
Over 20% of feed is wasted in manual systems due to spillage or uneven distribution, further
straining resources (Shankar et al., 2023). Farmers are often overburdened, leading to physical
As poultry farms grow in size, labour demands escalate disproportionately. Large-scale farms
require more workers to manage feeding, cleaning, and monitoring. Inconsistent feed
distribution in manual systems leads to uneven growth rates among birds, reducing profitability
Labour costs account for a significant portion of poultry farming expenses: In developing
countries, small-scale farmers struggle to afford hired labor, forcing them to rely on family
High labor dependency limits the ability to scale operations or compete with industrial farms
Manual feeding can lead to overfeeding or underfeeding, resulting in feed wastage and
nutritional imbalances. Uneaten feed can spoil, leading to increased costs and potential health
issues for the birds. Food waste is a significant challenge in poultry farming, driven by
inefficiencies in manual feeding systems, poor feed management leading to overfilling, and
environmental factors.
Example: In small-scale farms, manual feeding results in 20% monthly feed waste due to
spillage and uneven distribution (Shankar et al., 2023, Snehal et al., 2019).
Manual systems require constant monitoring and refilling, which is labor-intensive. Labor
shortages or fatigue lead to delayed refills, causing feed shortages or overflow (Parinya et
al.,2023). Feed waste in small scale farms equals one month`s total feed investment,
This feeder system is expected to reduce labor demand in poultry rearing especially focusing in
chicken rearing, where the increasing labor cost in poultry rearing and herd sizes have led to
Nowadays, without a smart automatic food dispenser, farm animals may face inconsistent
feeding schedules, leading to stress and irregular eating patterns. Farmers must manually feed the
animals, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially on larger farms. This manual
process can result in unequal food distribution, with some animals receiving more or less than
they need, potentially causing malnutrition or obesity. Human error can lead to overfeeding or
underfeeding, impacting the animals' health and productivity. Overall, the lack of automation in
feeding systems can lead to inefficiencies and potential welfare issues for the animals (Mugisho
2023).
Wastage of feed, improper administration of feed, stressful manual labor, disease outbreak, and
fatigue are all effects of the manual system of feeding. These factors make the cost of production
in poultry to be highly capital intensive, thereby discouraging people from venturing into the
poultry business. Moreover, jobs such as picking eggs laid by matured layersand overhauling of
the litter material interfere with feeding. Hence, making the pressure that the farmers experience
an increase as the number of birds increases. The challenges mentioned above prompted the
development of technologies that could tackle and solve some of the flaws in the most current
system of feeding poultry in the tropics; which includes but is not limited to the development of
a feed dispensing system that could supply feed to the birds at appropriate time intervals (Patrick
et al., 2022).
1.2 Aims and Objectives
The aim of this project is to design and implement an automated poultry feeding system.
The design and implementation of an automated poultry feeding system hold immense
importance for addressing critical challenges in modern poultry farming. This study contributes
to advancing agricultural technology and sustainable food production in the following ways:
laborious, and prone to human error. Small-scale farmers, in particular, face rising labor costs
and shortages (Charan et al., 2023, Parinya et al., 2023). Automation reduces reliance on manual
labor by using sensors, microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, PLCs), and IoT systems to dispense feed
at scheduled intervals. This frees farmers to focus on higher-value tasks like health monitoring
Inconsistent feeding schedules and poor feed quality negatively impact poultry growth rates and
feed conversion ratios (FCR) (Yadhira et al., 2022). Automated systems ensure timely and
uniform feed delivery, improving FCR and weight gain. For instance, selenium-enriched feed
dispensers (Yadhira et al., 2022) boost antioxidant capacity in birds, enhancing growth
efficiency.
(Parinya et al., 2023). This study prioritizes low-cost, modular designs (e.g., Arduino-based
Feed production consumes significant resources (water, land, energy), and waste contributes to
environmental pollution (Isabella et al., 2022, Snehal et al., 2019). Precision feeding reduces
The comfort zone in poultry refers to the optimal temperature range within which chickens can
regulate their body temperature without exerting unnecessary effort, considering factors such as
feeding techniques and housing locations. Beyond this zone, noticeable behavioral changes can
be detected, such as increased respiration rate and changes in body posture in response to
temperature thresholds. When the ambient temperature exceeds a certain threshold, hens are
unable to disperse heat efficiently, resulting in a reduction in meal intake. Under certain
conditions, leaving an excessive amount of food for chickens is not suggested due to the
possibility of overfeeding or selective feeding, which can result in significant feed waste (Ulysis
et al., 2023). The automated system ensures better poultry health management by providing a
controlled and hygienic feeding process, reducing the risk of contamination and disease spread,
optimizing feeding schedules to match poultry growth patterns, ensuring proper nutrition and
minimizing stress on birds, as consistent and measured feeding contributes to a healthier flock.
1.4 Scope of Project
This work focuses on the technical aspects of designing and implementing an automated feeding
system, with an emphasis on improving efficiency and reducing personnel costs in poultry
farming, aimed at addressing challenges in of poultry farming, such as high labor demand, and
poor bird feeding. It mimics the roles of real-life poultry attendants in delivering feed and water
Utilization of a microcontroller via the Arduino Uno for controlling the dispensing of poultry
feed (both liquid and solid). Incorporation of Ultrasonic sensors (HC-SR04) to measure feed
levels in the container and feeder trays and water in troughs and intelligently dispense them as
DC motor opening and closing the feed outlet valve based on sensor data and schedules. RTC
The introduction has been presented in section one. The rest of the sections are structured as
follows: Detailed review of fundamental concepts covering sensors for monitoring feed levels,
microcontrollers regulating the opening and closing of feeders using a motor, pre-programed
timers and feed optimization utilization as well as review of similar works are carried out in
section two. Section three is devoted for research problem. Materials and methods to be followed
will be highlighted in section four. Finally, proposal summary makes up section five. The list of
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This section presents the literature review comprising fundamental concepts and similar research
works pertinent to this work. Under fundamental concepts, discussions will cover computational
principles and electronics component used in the work. Sensors for feed level and water level
detection, feed dispensing control activity, automated feeding scheduling, as well as support
model equations and techniques available will be discussed. On the other hand, the review of
similar work will establish the extent of research in the subject area in order to provide this
Fundamental concepts pertinent to this work are presented in this subsection. These concepts are
discussed in order to justify the choice of models, tools, and techniques to be used in this
Sensors like the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensors, DHT11 temperature/humidity sensors are essential
for gathering real-time data about the environment and system status.
Sensor integration refers to the process of connecting various sensors to a central control unit (in
this case, the Arduino Uno) to collect data about the environment or system status. These sensors
act as the "eyes and ears" of the system, providing real-time information that the microcontroller
Environmental conditions directly affect the health, growth, and productivity of broilers. Broilers
are sensitive to temperature changes. High temperatures can cause heat stress, reducing feed
intake and growth rates. Low temperatures can cause cold stress, increasing energy demands and
diverting nutrients away from growth. High humidity exacerbates heat stress by reducing the
effectiveness of evaporative cooling (panting). Low humidity can dry out respiratory tissues,
making broilers more susceptible to infections. Monitoring feed levels ensures timely dispensing
The HC-SR04 is an ultrasonic distance sensor commonly used in robotics, automation, and
electronics projects. It is a low-cost, easy-to-use sensor that measures the distance to an object by
emitting ultrasonic sound waves and measuring the time it takes for the sound waves to bounce
back after hitting the object. Their ability to provide accurate distance measurements without
physical contact makes them ideal for a range of automation and safety systems. We used it to
detect the level of food in the container. The sensor can measure distances ranging from 2 cm to
The HC-SR04 operates on the principle of ultrasonic echolocation, similar to how bats navigate.
To start the measurement process, the microcontroller sends a 10-microsecond HIGH pulse to
the Trig pin. This pulse tells the sensor to emit an ultrasonic burst of 8 pulses at a frequency of
40 kHz .The sensor emits the ultrasonic waves through its transmitter (one of the two cylindrical
"eyes"). These sound waves travel through the air at the speed of sound (~343 m/s or ~0.0343
cm/µs). When the ultrasonic waves hit an object, they are reflected back toward the sensor. The
receiver (the other cylindrical "eye") detects the reflected waves and generates a signal. The
Echo pin outputs a HIGH signal whose duration corresponds to the time it took for the ultrasonic
The total distance traveled by the ultrasonic wave is twice the actual distance to the object (to the
1
D= ∗T∗C
2
where : D=distance
C=speed of sound
DHT11 is an embedded sensor, used to measure both temperature and humidity of the
surroundings. It is made up of two different parts i.e. capacitive humidity sensor and a
thermistor. DHT11 is a slow sensor but is quite efficient for the applications where we need to do
some basic analog data exchange. There is a small chip inside this sensor which performs the
function of analog to digital to analog conversion and gives the results for temperature as well as
for humidity in digital form. This digital signal can be read easily through any micro-controller.
These sensors are connected to an internal IC that processes the raw data from the sensing
In humidity measurement, the capacitive humidity sensor detects the amount of water vapor in
the air, as humidity increases, the dielectric constant of the material between the capacitor plates
changes, altering the capacitance. The internal IC converts this change into a digital value
increases. The internal IC measures this resistance change and converts it into a temperature
reading.
The DHT11 uses a single-wire communication protocol to send data to the microcontroller. The
data packet consists of 40 bits: 8 bits for integral humidity, 8 bits for decimal humidity, 8 bits for
integral temperature, 8 bits for decimal temperature, and 8 bits for checksum. The checksum
ensures data integrity by verifying that the sum of the first four bytes matches the checksum
byte.
The microcontroller sends a start signal by pulling the data pin low for at least 18 ms, then
pulling it high for 20-40 µs. The DHT11 responds by pulling the data pin low for 80 µs, then
high for 80 µs to indicate it is ready to send data. The DHT11 sends 40 bits of data, where each
bit is represented by a pulse. A "0" is represented by a shorter high pulse (26-28 µs), while a "1"
is represented by a longer high pulse (70µs). After receiving the 40 bits, the microcontroller
calculates the checksum and compares it with the received checksum byte. If they match, the
An actuator is a device that converts energy (such as electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal
perform tasks such as opening/closing valves, moving robotic arms, adjusting motor speeds, or
In automation, actuators work in conjunction with sensors, controllers, and software to create
The SG90 servo motor is a compact, lightweight, and affordable micro servo motor commonly
used in small-scale automation systems, robotics, and embedded projects. It is widely known for
its precision in controlling angular movement, making it ideal for applications requiring accurate
components. The SG90 servo motors actuate physical components, such as opening/closing feed
control the position of servo motors. By varying the duty cycle of the PWM signal, the Arduino
Uno can precisely position the servos. Closed-loop systems can be implemented by integrating
sensors to verify that actuators perform their intended actions (e.g., confirming that the feed
dispenser has opened). The SG90 servo motor operates by converting electrical signals into
The pulse width of the signal determines the desired position of the output shaft:
monitors the current position of the shaft and sends this information to the control circuit. The
control circuit compares the desired position (from the PWM signal) with the actual position
(from the potentiometer). If there is a discrepancy, the control circuit activates the DC motor to
rotate the output shaft until the desired position is achieved. The DC motor's high-speed rotation
is reduced by a gear system, which also increases the torque. This ensures smooth and precise
movement of the output shaft. Once the output shaft reaches the desired position, the control
circuit stops the motor, holding the shaft in place. The servo remains in this position until a new
It acts as the "brain" of the entire system, coordinating all operations and ensuring that inputs
(sensor data) are processed and outputs (actuator control) are executed effectively. A
embedded system. It typically contains: A processor (CPU), Memory (RAM, ROM/Flash), and
The Arduino Uno serves as the central processing unit, executing logic based on sensor inputs
and controlling outputs. The Uno reads sensor data, processes it, and determines appropriate
actions (e.g., activating servos when feed levels are low). It sends control signals to actuators,
ensuring coordinated operation of the system. The flexibility of the Arduino IDE allows
customization of the system’s behavior, enabling scalability and adaptability to different farm
sizes or requirements.
Figure 2.4 Arduino uno
The primary function of the feed storage hopper is to store a large quantity of feed, ensuring a
continuous supply for the birds. It acts as a reservoir, minimizing the frequency of manual
refilling. Protects the feed from environmental factors like moisture, pests, and contamination.
The hopper's design (e.g., sloped bottom) facilitates the controlled flow of feed to the dispensing
mechanism.
The dispensing mechanism is responsible for delivering a measured amount of feed to the feed
Presents the feed in an accessible manner, encouraging birds to eat. It is designed to minimize
The drinking trough is used to provide a clean and accessible source of water for the bird, it is
easy to clean and disinfect. Easily accessible to all birds, it is designed to minimize water
wastage.
This subsection presents the review of similar works. The selected published works are pertinent
to this thesis. This review will establish the extent of the work in the subject area. It will
highlight the techniques or mechanism and tools used to solve similar problems with a view to
identifying research gaps. The information and knowledge derived will assist in providing better
A poultry farm automatic feeder with a digital display, temperature and humidity controls, and a
temperature humidity sensor, and an electrical control box with a digital display that can show 24
hours and a time setting function. When performing automatic feeding with just one intervention,
this system lowers labour costs and not only cuts down on staff contact with poultry but also on
the spread of disease. With a temperature and humidity sensor, breeding field numerical data can
be monitored in real-time, the upper and lower limits of temperature and humidity fluctuations
can be set, and spraying water pumps, fans or heating can be controlled according to the set
According to Ulysis et al., 2023 The comfort zone in poultry refers to the optimal temperature
range within which chickens can regulate their body temperature without exerting unnecessary
effort, considering factors such as feeding techniques and housing locations. Beyond this zone,
noticeable behavioral changes can be detected, such as increased respiration rate and changes in
body posture in response to temperature thresholds. When the ambient temperature exceeds a
certain threshold, hens are unable to disperse heat efficiently, resulting in a reduction in meal
intake. Under certain conditions, leaving an excessive amount of food for chickens is not
suggested due to the possibility of overfeeding or selective feeding, which can result in
Ogbuka et al. (2021) developed an Arduino based automated poultry feeding system that mimics
the role of poultry attendants by sensing feed levels and dispensing accordingly. Their system
achieved 98.79% accuracy in feed level detection and operated with a response time of 5. The
system does not consider temperature or humidity variations, which can affect poultry feeding
behavior. No integration with remote monitoring, this design does not allow remote tracking or
control.
microcontroller, ultrasonic sensors, and a GSM module. The system automatically dispensed
feed when levels were low and sent SMS notifications to poultry farm owners regarding feed
availability.
Limited scalability: The system is designed for small- to medium-sized farms and may not be
Absence of real-time behavioral analysis: The feeder operates solely based on feed level
Lino et al., (2022). This study designed an automated feeding system for turkeys, categorizing
feed into three types based on weight ranges (0–500 g, 500 g–10 kg, 10–20 kg) and incorporating
selenium additives for growth enhancement. The system used Factory IO and TIA Portal for
simulation and programming, employing ON/OFF control and HMI for user interaction.
Automated feed distribution based on weight, reducing labor and optimizing nutrition.
Limited to turkeys; no real-time monitoring of environmental conditions like temperature or
humidity. Lack of integration with IoT for remote monitoring and control.
Sinduja et al., (2016) This project utilized an Arduino ATmega2560 and wireless sensor
networks (WSN) to monitor temperature, water, and feed levels, with alerts sent via SMS.
Kumar et al., (2023) A line-following robot with IR sensors and Embedded C programming was
developed to automate feed distribution in cage systems. Reduced feed wastage and labor by
automating feed delivery along a predefined path. No water dispensing; limited to small-scale
Dhauth et al., (2020). This system combined feeding automation with egg collection using
Arduino, ultrasonic sensors, and a robotic arm. Dual functionality (feeding and egg collection)
improved farm efficiency, complex mechanical design; high maintenance for small-scale
Ogbuka et al., (2024). The system used an ATmega328P microcontroller and ultrasonic sensors
to dispense feed and water based on trough levels, achieving 79% accuracy. Real-time level
From the literature reviewed, it is evident that much work has been done to solve the problems
encountered in poultry farming. But the various literature reviewed, have limitations and gaps
that will be address in this propose work. No water dispensing, limited to small-scale farms due
to battery dependency. Complex mechanical design and high maintenance for small-scale
real-time
SECTION THREE
RESEARCH PROBLEM
Poultry farming, particularly broiler production, faces two critical Manual feeding systems are
labor intensive, prone to inconsistencies, and do not account for the dynamic influence of
environmental factors on bird appetite. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity directly impact
broiler feed consumption; high temperatures and humidity often lead to reduced feed intake,
potentially hindering growth and increasing production costs. An automated system offers the
potential for significant improvements in feed efficiency and overall farm management.
Manual feeding requires significant human resources and time. It can lead to uneven feed
distribution, resulting in variations in bird growth and health. Failure to account for
environmental factors like temperature and humidity results in suboptimal feed intake and
potentially wasted resources. Broiler feed intake is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity
changes. For example: High temperatures reduce appetite, leading to underfeeding and poor
weight gain. Humidity affects feed quality (spoilage) and palatability, causing waste and health
risks. snehal et al., (2019). Manual systems lack real-time environmental monitoring, resulting in
Manual handling can increase the risk of disease transmission among birds.
Manual feeding systems require farmers to spend significant time and effort on repetitive tasks
such as feed distribution, monitoring consumption, and refilling containers. This leads to
inconsistent feeding schedules, which stress broilers and reduce growth rates Snehal et al.,
(2019).
SECTION FOUR
4.1 Introduction
This methodology outlines the design and implementation of an automated poultry feeding
system for broilers, incorporating temperature and humidity sensors to optimize feed
distribution. The system utilizes a DHT11 sensor for temperature and humidity readings, an HC-
SR04 ultrasonic sensor for feed level monitoring, an SG90 servo motor for controlling feed
Hardware Components
vi. Feed Hopper with dispensing mechanism (e.g., a small chute controlled by the servo)
ix. Programming code to integrate sensor readings, control the servo motor, and implement
feeding logic
4.2 Methodology
The following is the step-by-step approach for achieving the objectives of the research:
i. The DHT11 and HC-SR04 sensors are connected to the Arduino board according to their
datasheets.
ii. Calibration of the sensors is made. This involves taking multiple readings under
controlled conditions and adjusting the code to compensate for any systematic errors.
iii. The SG90 servo motor is connected to a digital pin on the Arduino. The servo's position
iv. The angle of rotation is calibrated to determine the optimal position for opening and
v. Thresholds is set for temperature, humidity, and feed level. If the feed level is below a
certain threshold, dispense feed. If the temperature or humidity is outside the optimal
vi. The Arduino code is integrated in all the above components. It will read sensor data,
apply the feeding logic, and control the servo motor accordingly.
1. The DHT11 sensor continuously monitors temperature and humidity levels within
3. The Arduino processes sensor data and determines the appropriate feeding action
The system is tested under various conditions (different temperatures, humidity and feed levels)
to verify its functionality and reliability. Its’ performance is monitored and adjustments made as
needed.
SECTION FIVE
PROPOSAL SUMMARY
5.1 Conclusion
This project proposes the design and implementation of an automated poultry feeding system for
broilers, using an Arduino based system with DHT11 (temperature/humidity), HC-SR04 (feed
level), and SG90 servo motor for automated dispensing. The system will monitor environmental
conditions and feed levels, adjusting dispensing accordingly to optimize feed intake and reduce
waste. Future enhancements include remote monitoring, data logging, and advanced algorithms
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