Development of an electromechanical device for real-time detection of litter moisture in commercial broiler

Author(s)

Balthazar, Glauber da Rocha ; Silveira, Robson Mateus Freitas ; da Cruz, Marcos Vinicius Amato ; da Silva, Iran Jose Oliveira

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SMART AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY; v. 12, p. 13-pg., 2025-12-01.

Abstract

Broiler litter quality is a critical factor in industrial broiler production systems, as it affects the environment and animal welfare. The litter is composed of thermal insulating materials such as wood shavings, peanut shells and, rice, among others, with the ability to absorb animal excreta. Its condition can impact environmental quality. Depending on its condition, it may increase the levels of gases and dust in the aviary, and may cause pododermatitis, compromising paw quality. Effective management requires analyzing litter quality by measuring moisture content. This article presents the development of an electronic sensor for detecting chicken litter moisture using microcontrollers and rapid prototyping sensors. The construction method involved three stages: prototyping a minimum viable product (MVP), conducting field tests to evaluate the sensor's humidity detection capability when integrated with a pre-existing robot, and mathematical modeling to determine the most suitable sensor for detecting litter humidity. This process utilized Technical Standard NBR 6457 to calibrate the equation for adjusting the detected humidity level. The findings confirmed the successful development of a calibrated electronic sensor for measuring litter humidity. This device was tested in a commercial poultry farm, producing a humidity map over a six-week production cycle. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/07442-8 - Intelligent systems: predictive modeling and internet of things for animal production in agriculture 4.0
• Grantee: Iran José Oliveira da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants