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Bassey, O. E.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Obi, A. I.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Amaghionyeodiwe, C. A.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
In this study fertility, hatchibility and economic analysis of a poultry egg incubator have been determined under the prevailing conditions described. The incubator is made of plywood sheet for its flexibility and durability. The internal temperature was maintained within the incubation temperature range of 36oC - 38.9oC as recommended by earlier investigators. The chamber was also kept at a relative humidity of 67% to 71.4% throughout the incubating period. The selected eggs were then placed in the incubator and monitored until hatching takes place. The system percentage fertility and percentage hatchability of the eggs were computed to be 50% – 60% and 48% – 60% respectively after twenty-one days period. Also, the initial investment cost and the annual recurrent revenue were estimated to be ₦ 519800 and ₦ 648239.25 respectively. The yields from investment were a net annual profit of ₦ 593,503.50 and a payback period of eight months with a benefit-cost ratio of ₦1.17. The developed incubator will be a beneficial in egg hatching for both urban and rural poultry interests and the computed results serve to update information on fertility and hatchability criteria for chicks’ production.
Keywords: Fertility, hatchability, egg incubator, chicks, heat transfer, payback, temperature, humidity.
https://doi.org/10.33922/j.ujet_v10i1_15
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Published
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Issue
Vol. 10 No. 1, June 2024
Article Section
GENERAL
The contents of the articles are the sole opinion of the author(s) and not of UJET.
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