Development of a Mechanical System to Produce Animal Feed from Rice Straw

Year 2024, Volume: 5 Issue: 1, 35 - 48, 30.06.2024

Mohamed Ghonimy , Ahmed Suliman , Mohamed Morsy , Ahmed Abdel-atty , Ahmed Alzoheıry

https://doi.org/10.46592/turkager.1432932

Abstract

Rice straw stands out as the primary agricultural residue posing significant challenges for both farmers and the Egyptian government. Its volume accounts for approximately 18% of the total annual waste generated. Livestock farmers typically harvest the straw and feed it to their animals. However, the process of manually mixing molasses, urea, and salts with the straw often leads to inconsistent blending and uneven distribution of the mixture. This inconsistency poses a considerable risk to the health of the animals, potentially resulting in fatalities. Thus, a mechanical system for producing animal feed (rice straw cutting mixed with additives of urea, minerals and molasses) was developed. This system consists of a chopping unit, mixing unit, and pumping & distribution unit. Measurements included the uniformity of the cut rice straw pieces within the preferred size, the uniformity of the dissolved additives mixture and the uniformity of the additives distribution on cut rice straw. Crude protein and urea percentages were measured in the final product. The results showed a maximum production rate of 0.6 ton h-1 the suitability of the developed system for mixing the additives with the cut rice straw. The suitability of the developed system was determined through the uniformity of the distribution of the additives on the cut rice straw. The results showed that the optimum content of crude protein of 6.2% was found at urea content of 5% and a mixing unit shaft speed of 300 rpm and 5 min mixing time. Also, the developed system achieved a rate of return of 19% and a payback period of about two years.

Keywords

Additive, Animal feed, Rice straw, Mechanical system

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