A.
Rationale
This research evaluates the sustainability of using coconut fiber (Cocos nucifera) and betel nut fiber
(Areca catechu) as thermal insulators in poultry walls, with the addition of phosphorylated cellulose.
Globally, temperatures are on the rise, and this phenomenon is seen in the Philippines and impacts
the poultry industry, resulting in decreased productivity and increased mortality because of heat
stress. The study is targeting a strategy using natural, local fibers as a prime material by producing an
inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and sustainable insulation technology that will be used to
overcome the said challenges by developing better welfare for the poultry birds and subsequently
industry sustainability.
B. Research Question(s), Hypotheses, Engineering Goals, Expected Outcomes: Research
Questions:
1. What are the house temperatures of poultry using different insulation methods: betel nut fiber,
coconut fiber, commercial insulation, and no insulation?
2. Is there a significant difference in temperature means between the different insulation methods?
3. Is there a significant difference in mean temperature between the inside and outside of poultry
houses insulated using each of the four methods?
4. What method of poultry house insulation is the most effective?
Hypotheses:
Null Hypothesis: There is no significant difference among the temperature means of the four
insulation methods.
Alternative Hypothesis: At least one insulation method differs significantly from the others.
. Engineering Goal: To develop a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly thermal insulator using
coconut and betel nut fibers with phosphorylated cellulose, comparing its efficacy against commercial
insulators.’
Expected Outcomes: It is expected that coconut and betel nut fibers will demonstrate comparable
insulation performance to commercial insulators, with coconut fiber showing particular effectiveness.
C. Describe the following in detail: • List of materials:
Bulb - A device used to generate consistent heat within the wooden box.
Cellulose - A polysaccharide material used as an additive in the insulator, specifically phosphorylated
to enhance thermal and fire-retardant properties for insulating walls.
•Coconut and Betel Nut Fiber - The materials used as alternative components for thermal insulation
in poultry walls, leveraging their low thermal conductivity and structural properties to reduce heat
transfer.
• Digital room thermometer- A device used inside and outside to measure the temperature.
• Foam Insulation - This foam insulator is designed to minimize heat transfer while being cost-
effective and environmentally friendly, ideal for applications like poultry walls.
• Nails - Used to putting-up-together the wooden materials.
• Newspaper - A material used to make the cellulose.
• Plywood - A wood panel used to make the wooden box.
• Silicone Sealant - Liquid form of adhesive use to stick the variables in wood used.
• Wire - Used to conduct electricity to enable the bulb.
• Procedures: Detail all procedures and experimental design including methods for data collection,
and when applicable, the source of data used. Describe only your project. Do not include work done
by mentor or others.
Procedures:
1. Procurement of Raw Materials -The researchers have gathered raw materials in nearby field and
maybe bought from local vendors and stores in Tuguegarao City.
2. Fiber Separation - After the researchers procured the fibers, they separated the fibers from the
skin and they will make the phosphorylated cellulose in the process of shredding and put it on the
molder afterwards and set aside in order to construct the wooden frame.
3. Fabrication of Wooden Frame - Four boxes (1m x 1m x 1m) were constructed, each with a different
insulation: betel nut fiber, coconut fiber, commercial insulator, and no insulation.
4. Incorporation of Thermal Insulating Materials - Before incorporating the fibers and phosphorylated
cellulose, the researchers measured how many grams of fibers and cellulose they will use and
divided it according to the percent of the treatment groups.
5. Testing and Evaluation - Using thermometer to determine the thermal difference and clock to time
the duration of the experiment, the researchers will compare 4 variables in poultry walls to determine
the effectiveness of these treatments and to determine the thermal difference of the different
variables. The four boxes with different variables was exposed to the heat of the heat lamp for 15
hours straight. Each thermal insulator included in the treatment groups will be placed and will be
tested one by one for 15 hours to test their thermal difference.
6. Environmental Impact Analysis - The environmental impact analysis revealed that harnessing
indigenous resources reduce reliance on imported insulators, promote environmental stewardship,
and create affordable and more eco-friendly insulators.
7. Performance Metrics - This study proved that the most effective method of poultry house insulation
is with the use of Coconut fibers. The box with insulated walls made up of 70% coconut fiber and 30%
phosphorylated cellulose was on par with commercial product.
• Risk and Safety: Identify any potential risks and safety precautions needed.
A thorough risk assessment was conducted in the experimental area, where the researchers will be
working with power tools and toxic compounds. In order to eliminate potential dangers that might
endanger the safety of any participants before, during, and after the experiment. To protect oneself
from potential harm resulting from the experimenting procedure, researchers will follow restrictive
safety protocols, which include using the proper protective gear and safety equipment within the area
of the experimentation under guidance of competent specialist.
Data Analysis: Describe the procedures you will use to analyze the data/results.
The researchers will use the one-way ANOVA. If the assumptions of ANOVA are violated, the
researchers will use the Kruskal-Wallis test to analyze the data gathered to have reliable results.
D. BIBLIOGRAPHY: List major references (e.g. science journal articles, books, internet sites) from
your literature review.
INTERNET SITES
[1] Caring for chickens in cold weather | UMN Extension
[Link]
[2] Cold temperatures can have severe consequences for poultry health ...
[Link]
and-welfare/
[3] Diseases of Poultry
[Link]
[4] Mortality Management Options
[Link]
[5] Mosher & McGee. 2013. Understanding Insulation.
[Link]
%20an%20'oven'%20effect
. [6] Prevalence rates of health and welfare conditions in broiler chickens ...
[Link]
[7] Reimbold. 2020. Thermal Insulation: What is it & How is it Used?
[Link]
[8] Revealed: Thousands of chickens in transit died from heat stress on day ...
[Link]
uk-hit-40c/
[9] Weather Spark. 2022.
[Link]
[10] W. Winchell. 2005. Lighting in Poultry Houses.
[Link]
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_RkXXAxxmrw_aem_LxDAkPb8BscCff9fxZgZew
[11] 1 April 2002
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BOOKS
[1] PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING STANDARD Agricultural Structures – Housing for
Broiler Production
[Link]
ANIMAL CARE REFERENCE
[1] Caring for chickens in cold weather | UMN Extension.
[Link]