Floating mechanized spreader for uniform fish feed dispersion in rural aquafarms

Effective feeding strategies incorporating suitable technology, intensification, and mechanization can significantly enhance aquaculture productivity. In Bangladesh, traditional fish farming often lacks efficient feed management, convenient feeding, and proper monitoring, leading to high feed wastage and increased operational costs. To address these issues and enhance feeding methods, a mechanical floating fish feed spreader was developed with floating area of 0.95 m2, height of 1.45 m, and feed capacity of 25 kg. Additionally, A feed regulator and a dispensing system controlled by an Arduino-based microcontroller were developed to optimize and ensure uniform feed distribution at an optimal quantity, synchronized with the feeding schedule. The feed discharge measured 1.55 ± 0.04 kg/min, the traveled distance was 2.45 ± 0.15 m, and the feed coverage area was 4.15 ± 0.52 m² for an ideal speed of 36 RPM and 400 RPM for the feed regulator and beater arm, respectively. The proportion of feed breakage was minimal at 1.42 ± 0.31% and 1.10 ± 0.17% for respective speeds. The system reduced feed losses by approximately 30%, reducing the stock load of fish and decreasing labor expenses for cost-effective farming. This fish feed spreader presents an efficient alternative to conventional feeding methods, enriching the prospects and productivity of aquafarming, thus contributing positively to the national economy.