Integrated Aquaponic Production System with Overhead Chicken Coop: Technical Analysis, Nutrient Flow Modeling, and Operational Viability

This work presents a rigorous technical analysis of an integrated production system that combines poultry farming, aquaculture, and vertical hydroponics within a three-dimensional configuration. The proposed system utilizes poultry (Gallus gallus domesticus) manure as the primary nutrient source for fish cultivated in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), whose effluents subsequently nourish hydroponic crops grown in PVC pipes. Mathematical models are developed for system sizing, thermodynamic analysis of energy flow, nitrogen mass balance, stoichiometric calculations of biological conversion, microbiological risk assessment, and preliminary economic evaluation. Results indicate that, when properly dimensioned, the system can achieve nutrient conversion efficiencies exceeding 85%. Optimal operational parameters include poultry biomass densities between 0.3 and 0.5 kg per cubic meter of water and hydroponic cultivation areas ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 m² per cubic meter of tank volume. Comprehensive microbiological analyses and food safety considerations are discussed, underscoring the necessity of rigorous monitoring and biosecurity protocols. The study concludes with detailed technical recommendations for system implementation and identifies key directions for future research and optimization.