In the heart of Egypt, researchers have developed a groundbreaking, low-cost solution that could revolutionize environmental monitoring in poultry houses, offering significant implications for the energy sector and sustainable agriculture. The study, led by Abdallah Elshawadfy Elwakeel from the Agricultural Engineering Department at Aswan University, introduces an automated monitoring and control unit (AMCU) that leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to optimize poultry health, productivity, and environmental management.
The AMCU is designed to monitor key environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, ammonia (NH3), and methane (CH4) in real-time. These variables are critical not only for poultry well-being and performance but also for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. “The integration of IoT technologies offers a transformative approach in agribusiness, enabling real-time data acquisition, automated control, and enhanced connectivity for environmental management in poultry houses,” Elwakeel explained.
The system’s performance was rigorously evaluated and calibrated under controlled laboratory conditions, with ambient temperatures ranging between 40 and 42°C. The results demonstrated a strong correlation (r > 0.96) between the AMCU sensor readings and those obtained from certified reference devices, confirming the system’s accuracy. The economic analysis revealed that the complete system, including the early warning feature, was constructed at a total cost of only USD 76, with the core measuring unit costing USD 37.5. In contrast, the combined cost of the commercial reference devices was approximately USD 321, indicating that the AMCU achieved comparable functionality at just 11.68% of the commercial cost.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. For the energy sector, the AMCU’s ability to monitor and control environmental parameters can lead to more efficient energy use in poultry houses, reducing overall energy consumption and costs. Additionally, the system’s early warning feature can help prevent environmental disasters, further mitigating potential losses.
The study, published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’ (translated to English as ‘Nature Scientific Reports’), suggests that the AMCU is a promising, scalable solution for environmental monitoring in poultry farming. Its future deployment in real-world poultry houses could significantly reduce GHG emissions and promote more sustainable agricultural practices.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable agriculture, innovations like the AMCU offer a glimmer of hope. By providing a cost-effective, accurate, and reliable solution for environmental monitoring, the AMCU could shape the future of poultry farming and contribute to a more sustainable energy sector. The research underscores the potential of IoT technologies in transforming traditional agricultural practices and paving the way for a greener, more efficient future.