SMART PIG FEEDING SYSTEM FOR SMALL SCALE FARMERS

Presented by:

Fajila, Ahlj-John C.

Mabulay, John M.

Fortun, Kathlene

A Capstone submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Major in Electronics

November 2024
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.

Title Page …………..…………………… i

Approval Sheet …..……..……………………. ii

Table of Contents ………………………………. iii

Acknowledgement ……………………………….. iv

Abstract ……………………………….. v

1.0. Capstone Project Description ……………………………… 1

1.1. Overview of The Current State of ………………………………… 1

Technology/Background of the Study

1.2. Capstone Project Objectives …………………………………

1.2.1. General Objectve

1.2.2. Specific Objectives

1.3. Scope and Limitations of the Project

1.4. Significance of the Capstone Project

2.0. Review of Related Literature

3.0. Technical Background

3.1. Technicality of the Capstone Project

3.2. Details of the Technologies to be Used

3.3. How the Projectwill Work

 Abstract

Smart Pig Feeding System refers to an innovative system for the automation and optimization of pig feed
distribution in the pig farms; thus, healthy feeding practices are promoted. It provides a smart feeder
device along with a mobile application and cloud database. Sensors are given to the smart feeder device,
keeping track of changes in the feeding habits of pigs and environmental conditions and provide
immediate data delivery to the mobile application. The application keeps track of the intake of feed for
farms and allows the remote regulation of feeding. It offers to download a customized report on the best
time the pig needs to be fed and automatically dispenses feed based on the requirement of the pig.
Historical data are maintained on the cloud-based database. This would be possible by monitoring
performance, assessing and understanding trends, and implementing data-driven decisions for the
farmers. The conceptual Smart Pig Feeder is then more of an end where there is maximized animal
welfare, feed efficiency, and profitability for the farmer as well as minimized impacts from pig farming
on the environment through IoT and AI technologies.

The smart pig feeder system can reducing feed waste and saving money while reducing the environmental
impact. Smart pig feeder system automates the feeding process, minimizing the need for labor and freeing
up farmers time for making another task. In a smart pig feeder system, you can see the data or the
notification through your mobile phone how many pounds have been lost or placed on your machine.
Smart pig feeder systems can create a less stressful environment for pigs, leading to better health and
potential higher growth rates, and they can make lower production costs and potentially higher profits
while improving feed utilization.
.
CHAPTER 1

Capstone Project Description

1.0. Overview of the Current State of Technology/Background of the study

A Smart Pig Feeder System is essentially a high-tech machine design that automated feed and optimize
the feeding process for pigs and also reduce labor cost, freeing up the farmers time for another important
task, and highlights an advanced integration of technology into agriculture that has revolutionized various
farming practices of precision farming tools, leveraging IoT (Internet of Things) devices, sophisticated
algorithms, and real-time data analytics to optimize feeding processes. Smart Pig Feeder Systems are
designed to optimize feed efficiency by accurately monitoring and controlling the right time and right
amount of the feed provided to each pig and also reducing feed waste. A smart pig feeder system will
also save you're money and reduce the environmental impact. This precision feeding not only reduces
feed waste but also promotes better growth and health of the pigs; they also ensure the optimal nutrition
for each pig and minimize waste, leading to improved overall productivity.
The Smart Pig Feeder will also utilize predictive modeling to adjust feed quantities and compositions
based on individual pigs.

Smart Pig Feeder Systems calculated the adjustment of the food composition accordingly and highlighted
the necessity for innovation in modern livestock farming no longer overfeeding and no underfeeding.

The development of the smart pig feeder system addresses challenges by providing a more efficient, cost-
effective, and sustainable solution. Overall efficiency on the farm; it's like having a smart assistant for pig
nutrition.
 1.2. Capstone Project Objectives

1.2.1. General Objective

A smart pig feeder system is to improve the effectiveness of feeding of the pig and ensuring each pig to
get the right amount of fod and the right time. Also the smart pig feeder system optimize the feeding
process and reduces waste. The smart pig feeder system primary goal is to maximize feed effeciency.
Making pig feeders more efficient, cost effective, and environmentally friendly.

1.2.2. Specific Objectives

● Feed an animal precisely according to it’s needs and desired performance level.

● Measuring feed intake and can provide valuable insights to feeding strategy choices.

● Achieve accurate feed delivery to reduce wastage and cost.

● Manage efficiently feed and other resource to enable sustainable farming combine.

● Monitor feed consumption and determine if there are changes that impact feeding decisions.

● Distribute feed accurately to further minimize waste and save cost on food supply
 1.3. Scope and Limitations of the Project

This project is only focused towards developing a smart pig feeder for monitoring the feed intakes of pigs
that are present on farm and also to reduce feed waste and improve the overall health and well-being of
pigs whilst providing farmers with valuable insights that they need in order to make data-driven
decisions. This technology allows for a real-time modification to feeding and schedules the amounts of
the food and continually gathering the data on feed consumption and sustainable agricultural practices
will thus be realized through the development.

Additionally, centralized control and monitoring are made possible by the interface with current farm
management software, which raises total farm productivity. The system seeks to provide a more effective,
sustainable, and compassionate pig farming business by emphasizing precision feeding, data collecting,
and seamless integration. In a word the capstone project can be value creating in the building of a smart
feeder for pigs, as it can improve the efficiency, sustainability, and effectiveness of modern pig farming
techniques and contribute to innovative solutions for animal livestock husbandry.

Pig farming is a major industry within the global agricultural economy and any positive change resulting
from improvements in efficiency and output can have implications for broader issues of food security and
sustainability.

1.4. Significance of The Capstone Project

The smart pig feeder system is a hight-tech machine that can help the agricultural sector by creating an
automated feeding system for pigs using advanced technology like IoT ( Internet of Things ) devices that
will both benefit the environment and industry. The smart pig feeder system is a high priority in the
environment as it plays a key role of the smart pig feeder system is to reduce feed waste and automated
feeder, and also optimize the feeding process, ensuring pigs receive the right amount of food and at the
right time. In industrial automation, the smart pig feeder system helps the farmers to make work easier
and also can make another task.
 Review of Related Literature

In today's technology, smart pig feeder systems are revolutionizing pig farming by integrating advanced
technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, and data analytics. (Shad Mahfuz et.2022) these
systems are a significant departure from the way that pigs have been fed for centuries, and they use smart
technologies, including IoT (Internet of Things) devices and data analytics, in order to automate the
process with which feed is delivered to pigs in the swine industry, it is important and challenging to
monitor the health and behavior of the full herd of swine. Therefore, smart tools are needed that can
remotely monitor the pigs and can provide accurate information to the farm operator. As the profit of
swine farms relies on the normal health and behavior of swine, the industry owner demands the good
health of pigs, ensuring optimum body weight, height, behavior.

However, manual activities usually take a long time, with high labor costs, and frequently lead to
operators missing the early identification of sick animals in the herd, with estrus resulting in poor
performance from swine. Such an inferior farming system may lead to higher diagnosis and medicinal
costs, resulting in economic losses for farm ownersConsidering the weak points of manual management,
smart equipment—such as automated tools or sensors that can detect behavior and health characteristics
as well as providing the information necessary for farms to operate their farming activities—might be
useful in the modern pig industry swine has increased with the challenge of keeping a close eye on herd
health and behavior becoming great for swine farmers and industry owners. In addition, growth in swine
production is accompanied by changing climate patterns along with issues of environment, animal
welfare, and human health, like antimicrobial resistance and zoonosis, among others. Profit on swine
farms mainly depends on the optimum growth and good health of swine, while modern farming practice
can ensure healthy swine production.

These issues require a future strategy that considers the use of information and communication
technology in the context of smart swine farming, with auto-identification and remote monitoring, feeding
behavior, animal rights/welfare, zoonotic diseases, nutrition and food quality, labor management, farm
operations, and others to improve meat production from the swine industry. Today, pig farming does not
only deal with the creation of infrastructures but is also engaged in the use of technology-based
knowledge to build feeding programs, monitor health and welfare, and breed the herd. ICT-based smart
technologies, such as smart ear tags, smart sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), deep learning, big data,
and robotics systems, can be directly incorporated into the practice of farm activities and have been
proven effective tools for gathering, processing, and analysis on farms. Considering the worthwhile role
of smart technologies in pig farming, in this review we suggest applying smart technologies to the pig
sector. Hence, in the future, the swine industry will be automated and focused on sustainability and
productivity.
 According to Smith et al. (2020),found that farms using smart feeders experienced a 15% reduction in
feed costs due to the precise allocation of feed and minimized wastage these systems use weight sensors
to measure feed consumption and adjust the feeding schedule accordingly. Automated feeders equipped
with sensors, such as the Babyfeeder by Agromek, exemplify the industry's responsiveness to the growing
need for efficient and technology-driven solutions. Additionally, the automation of feeding practices
reduces the need for manual labor, allowing farmers to allocate their time and resources more efficiently.

It has been demonstrated to improve feeding efficiency and minimize waste related to feeding. According
to Johnson and Lee (2019), these systems are able to provide real-time data on feed consumption,
enabling farmers to be better informed on the management of the feeds. Smart feeder systems can ensure
that pigs receive the amount of feed they should have, thereby contributing to better growth and health
outcomes.

A study by Johnson et al. (2020) highlights those pigs fed through smart feeders exhibited lower stress
levels and improved overall health compared to those fed through traditional methods. The ability of
smart feeders to monitor health metrics and detect early signs of illness also contributes to better animal
welfare by enabling timely interventions and reducing the risk of disease outbreaks.the use of a smart
feeder minimizes pigs' stress levels and increases their health compared with the traditional method of
feeding. Point out the numerous advantages of implementing smart feeders in pig production they indicate
that through such self-feeding systems, animals reduce their overall incidence of swine health disorders,
thus increasing efficiency and profitabilitySmart feeders, with onboard sensors and analysis of feed
intake, assure a specific feed delivery according to the pigs' individual needs. Overfeeding, which may
lead to obesity and metabolic problems, is thus minimized. It also monitors feed intake and learns
deviations from normal consumption patterns, which helps in the early detection of disease or disorders,
allowing further action before those imbalances become severe, thus cutting possible losses. Smart
feeding also contributes to a healthier and more productive pig population as it optimizes feed delivery
and aids early disease detection. These improvements result in enhanced welfare, lower veterinary costs,
and thus, higher profitability for swine producers.
 Jezzer T. Tibreza and Fernandino S. Perilla et. Al., (2023) discussedthe creation of an smart pig feeder
system.With the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in swine husbandry, one has the hope
of revolutionizing this industry through real-time data and insights on feed consumption and operational
costs. In this paper, a prototype development of an IoT-Integrated Hog Feeding Assistant aimed at
improving the efficiency and comfort of hog raisers is presented. Using the Rapid Application
Development model resulted in a flexible and swift creation of the system, ensuring timely deployment of
a fully functional solution. The system usability was systematically evaluated by using the ISO 25010
software quality standard tool for various aspects such as functionality, performance efficiency,
compatibility, usability, reliability, security, and maintainability. The results of this comprehensive
evaluation demonstrate the system's capabilities and user-friendliness to become a very useful tool for
hog raisers looking to improve their operations. IoT-Integrated Hog Feeding Assistant revolutionizes
swine husbandry, offering hog raisers crucial insights into feed consumption and operational costs,
thereby enhancing overall efficiency and comfort. This paper elucidates the system's development
process, methodology, and usability assessment. Employing the Rapid Application Development model
ensured a swift and flexible creation of the Hog Feeding Assistant, guaranteeing the timely deployment of
a fully functional system. Essential data for system design and features were acquired through document
analysis and surveys. The system's usability was systematically evaluated using the ISO 25010 software
quality standard tool, assessing functional suitability, performance efficiency, compatibility, usability,
reliability, security, and maintainability. This comprehensive evaluation provides a profound
understanding of the system's capabilities and user-friendliness. The Hog Feeding Assistant with IoT
Integration is strongly recommended for hog raisers due to its remarkable efficiency, convenience, and
exceptional usability. Seamlessly integrating into daily operations, the system not only streamlines
feeding processes but also furnishes valuable insights, empowering more informed decision-making in
swine husbandry.

Jezzer T. Tibreza and Fernandino S. Perilla et. al. (2023) The research is in designing an intelligent
feeding system that utilizes IoT technology for monitoring and controlling feed consumption, growth, and
feeding schedules. The system was designed using the Rapid Application Development model and put
through an evaluation of its usability through the ISO 25010 software quality standard tool. The system
has been developed utilizing the Rapid Application Development model that emphasizes quick
prototyping and iterative development. This gives more leeway for the researchers to quickly produce a
functional prototype and then get feedback for improvement.The usability of the system was tested by
means of the ISO 25010 software quality standard tool, which aims to ensure that the system is user-
friendly and meets the needs of farmers. This evaluation ensures it is practically applicable and easily
integratable within available farming practices.
3.0. Technical Background

3.1.Technicality of the Capstone Project

The technical details of the Smart Pig Feeder System are explained in this section, with particular
attention on how to revolves around smart pig feeders, specifically on feeding practices of pigs where
advanced technology has been integrated into these feeding systems. As the bottom line, this system
depends on IoT devices, which have sensors to observe every parameter in a cycle of pig eating. These
patterns and data generated in real time are analyzed using data analytics and machine learning algorithms
for feeding schedules and quantities accordingly. Its system architecture is comprised of auto-feeders that
feed through a central database in which all data is kept. Automation is also a technical part of the setup;
that is, it can adjust feeding based on the data it is collecting in real time. Part of the project includes an
interface for farmers to control and monitor feeding from wherever they are, interfacing with farm
management software so that there is oversight into all activities.

3.2. Details of the Technologies to be Used

To run the system, this project needs electricity to run and it will also available of 12v battery. The project
will be developed using the following technological tools.

●Stepper motor A4988

-A4988 is a bipolar stepper driver with a built-in translator. It drives stepper motors with a
maximum current of 2A per phase and operates in full, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth step
mode. Supporting outputs up to 35V, the driver utilizes PWM to control current through the
motor coils

● Battery Lithium ion 12V

-A 12V lithium-ion battery is a rechargeable battery that operates using lithium ions as the
predominant electrochemical active material. 12v Lithium Battery with high energy density, long
life span and light weight Because it provide stable current, it is often used in all kinds of
applications, for example, portable electronics, electric vehicles and renewable energy systems,
and has a relatively low self-discharge compared to other batteries.
● ESP32 Microcontroller

-A low-cost microcontroller with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth integrated. The dual-core ESP32
microcontroller, designed by Espressif Systems, comes with various I/O ports and hardware
accelerators. It has popularity on IoT (Internet of Things) usage, which makes the attractive
connectivity and processing power as requirement for smart devices, home automation, wearable
electronics, and wireless communication systems. Its open-source and powerful design make the
Galmon 2 developers easily create advanced and connected solutions.

● Nema 17 Stepper Motor

-This stepper motor controls the feeding mechanism with exact movement. It is capable of
rotating in small, precise increments enabling you to dispense an exact amount of feed for each
portion. They are used a lot for 3D printers, CNC Machines and laser cutters.

● Real Time Clock (RTC) module DS3231

-The DS3231 is a timekeeper; it tells what date and time is it, and works even when the feeder
has no power plugged in. Spinning away in regular intervals makes the feeder itself dispense
food at the scheduled periods of time. The RTC is a workhorse for automating feeding schedules.
It also uses a battery backup to ensure the running of clock during failures in main power.

●4X4 Keypad

- The keypad allows manual input to set the feeding times, amount of feed, or other parameters. You
can use it to interact with the system without needing a computer or other interface.

●16X2 LCD Display

- The LCD display shows the current settings, time, feed amount, or other important information. It
gives you real-time feedback on the system's status and settings for easy monitoring and adjustment.

● Feed Container

- The container holds the pig feed and connects to the dispensing mechanism. It must be designed to
release controlled amounts of feed through the stepper motor system.
●HX711 Load Cell

- The HX711 is an amplifier and ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) for the load cell, which weighs
the feed. This allows the system to dispense a precise amount of food by measuring the weight of feed
dispensed.

●LM2596 (DC-DC Step-Down Converter)

- The LM2596 converts the 12V input from the battery or adapter to lower voltages (e.g., 5V or 3.3V),
which are needed for some components like the ESP32 and other sensors. It ensures each component
receives the correct voltage.

●12V Adapter

-There is the adapter, which provides an outside power supply, which can be used for charging the battery
or to power directly the feeder system. It can just be connected to any standard wall outlet for continuous
power.

● DC Male Connector (12V)

- This adapter connector allows connecting the 12V adapter to the system, providing a secure and
standardized power input point.

● HX-M601

- The HX-M601 would likely be an infrared or ultrasonic sensor module. It would be used to sense the
presence of the pig near the feeder, in order to turn on demand-fed feeding, or to alert the system that a
pig is nearby.
3.3. How the Project will Work

The methodology used for this project is the prototype methodology, which was selected on account of its
iterative nature which allows for successive testing and revisions. This is particularly the case when
developing a Smart Pig Feeder System as it permits changes to be made in relation to the environment
and how the prototype functions. As such, we want to construct a prototype to have and a good effective
feeding of the pigs that would help farmers.

Project Phases and Methodology

The following stages detail the approach and activities involved, from initial design to final deployment.
Each phase includes specific task, planning, requirement analysis, responsibilities, location, timeline,
optimization, ensuring accurate and meeting of project goals.

1. Material Gathering

● Objective:

- Collect the necessary hardware and software to build and program the system.

● Materials:

● Microcontroller: Such as ESP32, to process data and control the feeder.

● Battery Lithium-ion 12v: Backup power and for energy storage.

● Feeder Mechanism: Motorized system to dispense feed accurately.

● Real- Time Clock (RTC): For accurate timekeeping and scheduling.

● LCD Display: For displaying system status and data locally.

● Roles: Proponents will handle procurement, testing, and initial setup of all hardware.

● Location:

● Outcomes: Successful gathering and verification of components to begin prototype development.

2. Initial Design Phase

●Objectives: Develop a design schematic that details the layout and connection points of the
microcontroller or ESP32, battery, feeder mechanism, real time clock and lcd.

● Activities: Draw a layout diagram that maps connections between the ESP32, battery, feeder
mechanism, sensors, usb for programming.
● Roles: The proponents will conduct the design, with guidance from the faculty supervisor.

● Outcome: A clear schematic and program outline to guide prototype assembly.

3. Prototype Development

● Objectives: Construct the initial prototype based on the design and test its basic functionality.

●Process:

● Assemble the components on a breadboard, connecting the real time clock and sensors to the ESP32
or Microcontroller for input and LEDs, feeder mechanism as output.

● Roles: Proponents are responsible for assembly, coding, and testing.

● Outcomes:A working prototype that responds to automated feed the pig.

4. Prototype Refinement (Trial and Error)

5. Implementation and Field Testing

● Objective:

Install the final system along the designated

● Process:

Securely install all components, ensuring proper orientation of the

Diagram 1 below illustrates the phases of the prototype process for this system:

Material Gathering Initial Design

Prototype Development
Prototype Refinement

Implementation and
Field Testing

Diagram 1. Phases of the Prototype Process

3.3.1. System Requirements

The prototype is built on certain hardware and software components that are suitable for use, energy
consumption and dependence on the environment while considering the parameters of durability and
responsiveness of the environment.
Hardware Requirements

Hardware Specifications Description

ESP32 Microcontroller For processing and control

Sensor Detection sensor For food level sensors

Feeder Mechanism Stepper Motor Motorized system to dispense

feed.

Real time Clock (RTC) DS3231 Real Time Clock (RTC) For accurate timekeeping.
Module

Battery 12v, Rechargeable Batteries for sustainable power.

Data Storage SD Card Module for Data For logging sensor data and
Storage system performance.

Cables and Connectors USB Type-C Cable and For wiring and connecting
Connector components.
Software Requirements

Software Specifications Description

ESP32 Microcontroller Writes and uploads programs to

code to run on the ESP32,
handling sensor data collection,
and communication.

Data Logging Software Data Storage To record feed consumption, and

system performance.

Scheduling Software Microsoft Project To manage feeding schedules

based on real time.

User Interface (UI) Software Platform Compatibility Mobile app for remote
monitoring and control.

3.3.2 Testing and Deployment

The experimentation phase will involve laboratory investigation and in-situ testing on the farm. Important
testing steps are as follows.

1.Program Testing: The system uses an ESP32 microcontroller that is programmed to and connect to the
sensor to weight how many kilos of the food will intake of the pig.

2.Integration Testing: All the different parts are being checked for interoperability including the ESP32,
sensor, stepper motor, and battery.

3.Field Testing: The system is installed on the test route for a couple of days in order to determine its
responsiveness and efficiency in the existing conditions.
3.3.3 Initial Design and Prototype Diagrams

1. Sketch Diagram: Illustrates the layout of each component, including the ESP32, sensor, battery,
stepper motor.

2.Schematic Diagram: Shows wiring and connections among components to facilitate assembly and
troubleshooting.

3.3.4. Gant Chart of Activities

Activity Jan. Feb. March April

Material Gathering X

Initial Design X

Prototype Development X

Prototype Refinement X

Testing and Implementation X X