Projeto e construção de um alimentador automático de baixo custo para juvenis de tilápias

Abstract

This work presents the development of a low-cost automatic feeder aimed at juvenile tilapia fish farming, with the objective of assisting small producers who face economic and operational limitations with commercial feeder models. The project is justified by the need for an efficient device capable of improving feed distribution and reducing waste, considering the territorial feeding behavior of tilapia. The methodology included mechanical and electrical design, prototype construction, feed eviction testing, and cost comparison with market-available models. The feeder was designed to operate as a floating unit, using a sack sewing machine motor, a programmable timer, and a distribution system adjustable via potentiometer. The prototype was based on an existing model already in operation, but several improvements and modifications were implemented. The work also contextualizes the importance of fish farming in Brazil, and details the stages of tilapia cultivation, feed types, and current automated feeding technologies.