Greener Journal of Science, Engineering and Technological Research

Greener Journal of Science, Engineering and Technological Research Vol. 3 (5), pp. 153-159, May 2013.

ISSN: 2276-7835 

Research Paper

Manuscript Number: 112712300

 

An Electrically Operated Incubator for Household

 

^*Olaoye I. O.,  Lawal B.M, Ibrahim S.O. and Sanusi B.A.

 

Department of Agricultural Engineering, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Ibadan. Nigeria

*Corresponding Author’s Email: isaacolaoye @ yahoo. com

Abstract:

A 120-egg capacity cabinet type incubator was designed and constructed using mild- steel as the construction material. It is lagged with the fibre material to avoid heat loss. Heat was supplied into the incubator by means of three 100 watts electric bulbs while the relative humidity was supplied by means of an appropriately loathed water pan. Incorporated with the incubator is a panel which consists of temperature and relative humidity sensors to control both the temperature and relative humidity within the incubator chamber. When tested with 20 eggs, the percentage fertility and hatchability rate of 75.2 and 64.8% respectively were recorded during an incubation period lasting for 20^1/₂ days. These high efficiency values coupled with the cheapness of the construction materials and the improvisations employed in heat production are the principal features that recommend the incubator for rural application in Nigeria.

Keywords: Incubation, incubator design, incubator construction

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