Granular Calcium Dosing Device for Poultry Feed Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dosing granular calcium-based feed additives, such as dry shell limestone, to laying hens are inefficient due to poor pourability and angular morphology, leading to blockages and uneven distribution, resulting in suboptimal eggshell quality and increased risk of bacterial transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for automated, selective dosing of granular calcium-based feed additives directly onto a feed chain, using a dosing device with a storage container, stirring element, and adjustable outlet slide and conveying element to ensure even distribution and prevent caking, allowing for independent dosing of the feed additive during specific feedings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If granular calcium-based feed additive is added to feed via spiral conveyor after external silo, then lime can be added to feed, but the first portion of evening feed contains no lime and first portion of morning feed contains lime residue
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device is positioned to add lime to the feed stream before it enters the intermediate container, ensuring that all feed portions (including the first portion of evening feed) receive the calcium supplement. This preliminary action eliminates the timing issue where feed portions missed the lime addition window.
2Ease of operation
If granular lime is distributed on the floor by hand, then lime can be applied to feed, but labor is required and only a portion of lime is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The automated dosing device performs the lime addition function that previously required manual labor. The device automatically meters and distributes the precise amount of calcium supplement to the feed stream, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring complete consumption of the dosed lime.
3Quantity of substance
If granular lime is added to feed, then calcium supplement is provided to hens, but poor flowability and angular morphology cause clogging of equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device uses a specially designed dispensing mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the lime storage and the feed stream. The device incorporates features such as a rotating drum or paddle mechanism that gently picks up and releases the angular granules, preventing clogging while maintaining reliable dosing of the calcium supplement.
4Reliability
If lime is added in larger quantities to ensure reliable dosing, then dosing reliability improves, but precise dosage control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the dosing rate to be precisely controlled and varied. The system can adjust the rotation speed of the dispensing mechanism or the opening size of the discharge gate to match the exact calcium requirements of different feed portions, achieving both reliability and precision simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures all hens consume the intended amount of feed additive, improving eggshell quality, reducing bacterial transmission risk, and maintaining consistent feed additive to feed ratios, while preventing residual additives in subsequent feedings.
Implementation Method 1
the stirring element (32) is arranged in the area of the second opening (312) to prevent the feed additive (1) from clumping together
Implementation Method 2
the conveying element (34) is arranged below and/or to the side of the second opening (312) so that the feed additive (1) passes from the storage container (31) through the second opening (312)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for dosing a granular calcium-based feed additive (1) in poultry houses (2), in particular laying hens, wherein feed (5) is conveyed from a silo, optionally via an intermediate container (6), via a feed conveying line (7) to a feed chain (4), wherein the feed additive (1) is dosed directly onto the feed chain (4) by means of a dosing device (3) - independently of the dosing of the feed (5), and/or - is dosed to the feed (5), wherein the addition of the feed additive (1) takes place after the intermediate container (6) for the feed (5) into the feed conveying line (7), in which the feed (5) is conveyed directly to the feed chain (4), whereby the poultry on the feed chain (4) can be alternately fed feed (5) with and without calcium-based feed additive (1).Also claimed is a feed lime dosing device (3*) for the continuous dosing of a granular calcium-based feed additive (1) with a diameter of up to 6 mm, measured according to DIN 4022, onto feed chains (4) for poultry according to the inventive method, as well as the use of the method and the dosing device (3*).