Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Automation in Animal
Housing and Production
8
J. L. Purswell and R. S. Gates
CONTENTS
8.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 205
8.2 Housing Systems...........................................................................................206
8.2.1 Environmental Control Systems .......................................................206
8.2.2 Lighting Systems .............................................................................. 207
8.2.3 Feed and Water Distribution Systems............................................... 208
8.3 Manure Management Systems...................................................................... 210
8.4 Feed Manufacturing ..................................................................................... 212
8.5 Processing Facilities ..................................................................................... 213
8.5.1 Meat .................................................................................................. 213
8.5.2 Eggs .................................................................................................. 213
8.5.3 Milk .................................................................................................. 215
8.6 Current Control Techniques ......................................................................... 216
8.6.1 Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling Systems Control Automation..... 216
8.6.2 Control Systems ................................................................................ 218
8.6.3 Cooling and Heating Control Systems ............................................. 219
8.6.4 Backup Control ................................................................................. 220
8.7 Applications of Control Theory.................................................................... 220
8.7.1 Nutrition and Growth Control .......................................................... 222
8.7.2 Integration of Animal Response....................................................... 222
8.8 Summary ...................................................................................................... 224
References .............................................................................................................. 224
8.1 INTRODUCTION
Intensive, controlled environment animal production began modestly in the mid-
twentieth century as poultry were brought indoors. Although mankind had used
structures to provide shelter for their animals for centuries, the availability of
relatively inexpensive energy and the electrification of rural areas allowed for the
control of interior environment temperature during cold weather and means of pro-
viding airflow during warm weather. Laying hen cages were developed to reduce
impact of predation and disease, to better control bird diet and access to feed, and to
enable more reliable egg collection. Similarly, broiler chickens were brought indoors
to provide a more uniform and beneficial environment and enhanced production
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