Aquaculture is a potential growing business, so as the latest technology and advancements used in Aquaculture, one among them is Auto feeders. Feeding is one of the most important aspect of growth and production of the species. Feeding the species in the correct time, in the correct quantity, without leading to wastage has become a major challenge in Aquaculture.
The advanced technology of Aquaculture resulted in the development of automatic feeding machines to meet the feeding requirements. There are different types of auto feeders available to meet the requirement and objectives of feeding the species.
In designing the feeder, several criteria need to be determined; these include the characteristics of the species, types and sizes, and functions of the feeder. The device should be simple, compact, and efficient in operation.
These machines have 3 parts like hooper, controller and adjustable. Hooper it is detachable to fit various sizes of hooper as per the requirement, controlling the amount and quantity of food disperse and the height, width and the flow can also be adjusted as per the requirement and usage.
A trial run of the performance evaluation should be done to know the distance of pellets are being dispersed and the efficiency of the machine.
Things to consider before purchasing auto feeders:
- Culture system
- Stocking density
- Shape of the hooper
- Flow of discharge from the hooper
- Power requirement
- Operation time etc
- Feeding distance
- After saler service
- Availability of spare parts
- LCD display
We also need to choose the type of auto feeder that is required for our culture from electric, pneumatic and hydraulic-type feeders. Electric feeders are automatic which contains feed container, feed distribution and feed portioning and the design differs from other devices. The electric automatic feeders are controlled by a timer with which the length of the feeding time and the time interval between two feedings can be adjusted. A single control unit can be used for one individual feeder or a central control unit can operate more feeders.
Pneumatic-type automatic feeders are feed with compressed air by spreading it over the water surface which is controlled by a central air supplying system and Hydraulic-type automatic feeders are used when there is enough water flow and no electric supply
The machine work should be reliable, accurate, and shooting, material feeding distance, large area, simple structure, convenient maintenance, save electricity artificial feed.
Features should include:
- Automatic feed
- Feed on time
- Local time synchronizations
- Upto 6 times per day for feeding
- Water proof design
- Low battery indicator
- Easy cleaning with removable parts
Auto feeders benefits
- Reduce Manpower
- Reduce farming risks
- Reduces water contaminations
- Save feed
- Increase harvest etc
When using auto feeders the application procedure, usage, warrants, handling care must be known thoroughly for successful Aquaculture.
Source: Aquadeals