Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor System and Heater

Southern Luzon State University

College of Engineering

Lucban, Quezon

Altez, John Mark T.

Amper, Rey Joachim R.

Bautista, Kent Tyrone D.

Santos, Irish Brave Chant A.

May 2022
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF RESEARCHERS

Name: Rey Joachim R. Amper

Birthday: February 5, 2000
Address: Brgy. Buhangin Teacher’s Village Atimonan, Quezon
Contact Number: 09287604625
E-mail Address: reyjoachimamper12@gmail.com

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Primary: Atimonan Central School
Secondary: Atimonan National Comprehensive High School
Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation- Lucena
Tertiary: Southern Luzon State University, 2018-Present

ACADEMIC AFFILIATIONS:

College of Engineering Lucena Campus

Auditor, 2018-2019
Southern Luzon State University – Lucena Supreme Student Council
Treasurer, 2019-2020
Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers
2018-Present
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF RESEARCHERS

Name: John Mark T. Altez

Birthday: February 6, 2000

Address: Brgy. Sapaan Atimonan, Quezon

Contact Number: 09123111644

E-mail Address: johnmark.altez26@gmail.com

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Primary: Sapaan Elementary School
Secondary: Atimonan National Comprehensive High School
Tertiary: Southern Luzon State University, 2018-Present

ACADEMIC AFFILIATIONS:

Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers

Member, 2018-Present
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF RESEARCHERS

Name: Kent Tyrone D. Bautista

Birthday: October 3, 1999

Address: Brgy. Tagbakin Southville Subdivsion Atimonan, Quezon

Contact Number: 09292269253

E-mail Address: tyronebautista26@gmail.com

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Primary: Atimonan Central School
Secondary: Leon Guinto Memorial College Inc.
Tertiary: Southern Luzon State University, 2018-Present

ACADEMIC AFFILIATIONS:

Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers

Member, 2018-Present
BSME – 4GN
President, Representative 20221-2022
Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers – JU (SLSU)
Board of Directors Officer 2021-2022
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF RESEARCHERS

Name: Irish Brave Chant A. Santos

Birthday: November 01, 1999

Address: Brgy. Ramon Magsaysay Unisan, Quezon

Contact Number: 09156919132

E-mail Address: santosirish83@gmailcom

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Primary: Santayana Elementary School
Secondary: Unisan National High School
Tertiary: Southern Luzon State University, 2018-Present

ACADEMIC AFFILIATIONS:

Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers

Member, 2018-Present
 CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY

We hereby affirm that this compliance is our own work and that, to the best of our
understanding and certainty, it covers no material previously published by another person
nor material to which to a considerable range has been acknowledged for award of any
other degree or diploma of a university or other institute of higher learning, except where
due credit is made in the text.

We also declare that the logical content of this thesis is the product of our own
effort, even though we may have customary assistance from others on the style,
presentation, and semantic expression.

___________________

Rey Joachim R. Amper

__________________

John Mark T. Altez

__________________

Kent Tyrone D. Bautista

__________________

Irish Brave Chant Santos

__________________________

Date
 APPROVAL SHEET

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Bachelor of Science in

Mechanical Engineering, this research paper entitled, CHICKEN PLUCKER:

INTEGRATED CONVEYOR SYSTEM AND HEATER, has been prepared and

submitted by REY JOACHIM R. AMPER, JOHN MARK T. ALTEZ, KENT TYRONE

D. BAUTISTA, and IRISH BRAVE CHANT SANTOS who is hereby recommended for

the oral examination.

ENGR. DONA B. BUEQUE

Research Adviser

Approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, bachelor of Science in

Mechanical Engineering, by the oral defense examination committee.

ENGR. GILBERT ESQUILLO ENGR. JOHN E. TAN

Member Member

ENGR. RONNEL S. NOMBREFIA

Chairperson

Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the DEGREE BACHELOR OF

SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING.

Date: ______________________
 DEDICATION

I would like to express my utmost gratitude to my parents who supported me throughout

the years of my study and who have mold me to who I am right now. All of this
would have been for nothing without them helping me through thick and
thin. To my mother, Rhodora R. Amper, who was always there
to cheer me up and made me realize the importance of
having a positive outlook in life. To my father,
Reymer C. Amper who always made me
realize to make important decisions
in life in order to be successful.
To my brother, Ron Joash R. Amper,
who has always made me realize
the importance of having
a best brother by
your side. To my Tita Abe,
Tita Alet, Tita Maylen
and to those unmentioned who
has helped me throughout my years of studying financially.
To my love, Jazz Lovenia S. Veridiano,
who always made me feel loved
through my college years and for days to come.
To my college friends and batchmates; to my thesis partners;
To the ME Faculty, And to Almighty God, for the unconditional
love, knowledge, guidance and
protection, thank you all.
This is dedicated
to you!
 DEDICATION

To my parents Rodolfo E. Altez Jr. and Maggie T. Altez who are always there to

encourage and support me morally and financially; To my brother Jhogie T.

Altez whom I was looking forward to and promise to that I achieved my

dream; They are the reasons and my inspirations I continue this journey;

To my grandparents, relatives and cousins who always took care of me

when I was only a child. to my friends who are always there for me;

To my college friends and batchmates; To the ME faculty; To my

thesis partners Rey Joachim Amper, Kent Tyrone Bautista and

Irish Brave Chant Santos who worked hard in order to

accomplish this study; To my one and only Son Chae

Young who brought me strength in continuing this

journey and help me became a better person;

And to Almighty God, for the unconditional

love, knowledge, guidance and

protection, thank you all.

This is dedicated

to you!
 DEDICATION

To my uncle Mario Edsel Par and my aunt Maria Elena Bautista whom supported

me from the start of my journey in Engineering, to my brother Keith Harvee

Bautista who gave me financial support to keep me going, to my sister

Rain Aubrey Bautista who motivates me to finish all my works

instead of procrastinating. They all serve as my inspiration

to keep my daily life moving. To my friends whom

encourage me to continue doing what I love and to my

beloved future wife Rachel Lavilla who was there when

nobody else was; To my partner in crime Rey Joachim

Amper whom shared the same adventure and experience

with me; To my school and batchmates friends;

To the ME Faculty who made us realized that we can

do more; To my thesis mates John Mark Altez,

Irish Santos and Rey Joachim Amper

who made me what I’ am now,

And to Almighty God,

for the never ending

love, knowledge,

guidance and protection,

thank you all. This is

dedicated to

you!
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers extend their boundless appreciation to the following who have

helped them to accomplish their research.

To ALMIGHTY GOD, the ultimate source of knowledge, physical, mental, and

emotional strength, and everything that they have done with this hard work that may lead

them to achieve their dreams.

To Engr. Dona B. Bueque, our designated research adviser, for the limitless

advice, guidance, and motivation and valuable ideas that helped the researchers to

accomplish this study;

To Engr. John E. Tan, Engr. Ronnel S. Nombrefia, and Engr. Gilbert R.

Esquillo, as the members of the oral examination panel, for their comments, suggestions,

and recommendations for the improvements of the study;

To Engr. Meller P. Gonzales, our chosen machine fabricator, for the hard work

and the knowledge he shared with us that allows us to be able construct the machine

efficiently and effectively;

To ME instructors and faculty, for their willingness to share their knowledge,

ideas and experience;

To the researcher’s parents, siblings, relatives, and friends who provides endless

support for them in this journey.

-Researchers
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Biographical Sketch

Certificate of Originality

Approval Sheet

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Table of Contents

Abstract

CHAPTER I

Introduction

Background of the Study

Objectives of the Study

Significance of the Study

Scopes and Limitations

Definition of Terms
CHAPTER II

Related Literature

Related Studies

Conceptual Framework

Research Paradigm

Hypothesis

CHAPTER III

Methodology

Research Locale

Research Design

Research Instrument

Procedures/Data Collection

Material Selection Procedure

Methods of Fabrication

Safety Precautions

General Operating Procedure

Grading Basis for Evaluation of Acceptability

 Of Product

Statistical Formula

CHAPTER IV

Results and Discussions

CHAPTER V

Summary of Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations

Findings

Conclusions

Recommendations

Literatures Cited

Unpublished Theses

Electronic References

Appendices

Appendix A

Appendix B
LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURES
 ABSTRACT

Title: Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor System with Heater

Author: Amper, Rey Joachim R.

Altez, John Mark T.

Bautista, Kent Tyrone D.

Santos, Irish Brave Chant

Adviser: Engr. Dona Bueque

Keywords:
 Chapter I

Introduction

Scalding and picking machines, which are used basically for the processing of

poultry products, although exist in several forms including small and huge machine types,

are still not very popular within the Philippines poultry processing business/industry,

where this is basically due to their high design cost. Most of the poultry products in the

Philippines market today are have been processed manually. The manual processing

method, which is slow and tedious, has remained uneconomic for large scale production.

Since the early existence of human civilization, food consumption is one of the

vital categories for humans to survive. They are considered as the most effective method

of gaining nutrients a particular person requires for the body to function. According to

Dave Roos, in the article entitled "History of Humans Eating Meat", the climate shift

from the history between 2.6 to 2.5 million years ago causes early human ancestors called

hominins who originally depend on the consumption of fruits, leaves and seeds were

forced to search a new source of energy due to inadequacy of the previous sources.

One of the most popular foods until these days are the chickens but according to

James Gorman (Jan. 18, 2016), before the raising of chickens became industrial, they

were far less important to human diets, and for thousands of years, their primary role

seems to have been in cockfighting or various rituals. Estimates of the time of their

domestication are from 7,000 to 10,000 years ago, but a recent report from an
archaeological dig in Israel concluded that they were first eaten in significant numbers

about 2,200 years ago.

Domestication of the chicken dates back to at least 2000 B.C. and their ancestry

can be traced back to four species of wild jungle fowl from Southeast Asia. However, the

Red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus or Gallus bankiva) is the most commonly found wild

species in the world today and is considered the main ancestor of the domestic chicken.

The chicken belongs to the genus Gallus of the family Phasianidae. Domestic chickens

are simply classified as Gallus domesticus. The sport of cockfighting had tremendous

influence not only in the domestication of the chicken but also on the distribution of fowl

throughout the world. After centuries of selection and breeding for numerous extremes,

chickens now exist in many colors, sizes and shapes. (Phillip Clauer, December 15, 2011)

Eating chicken is a great source of protein which is connected to a lot of health

benefits. The lean protein in chicken is an excellent source of amino acids which are used

to build muscle tissue. And with its high protein content that helps people to maintain

bone mineral density. Thus, giving a human body a stronger muscles and healthier bones

that reduces the risk of injuries and diseases. It does not only have high quality protein

with less fat but it also contains Vitamin B12, Tryptophan, Choline, Zinc, Iron, and

Copper. Dan Brennan, MD (September 02, 2020).

The traditional way of processing chicken for consumption is done manually. It

includes the first method which is by letting the chicken starve by not giving them food.

Next is hanging the chicken downward for slicing just below the jawline with the use of
knife. This will drain their blood and eventually they will die. Then put the chicken into a

warm water enough for its feather to be easily removed manually on the next level. And

the last step is by removing the internal organs and chopping off the different parts of the

chicken. And the chicken is now ready to be cooked in any kind of dish. Compared to the

present process which involves the use of different machines which are combined with

cost and labor for the execution of the process.

From aforementioned proposition, the researchers decided to design a machine for

chicken plucker with integrated conveyor system and heater.

Background of the Study

Chicken is one of the most numbers of food resource in the Philippines. And these

birds were domesticated around 4000 years ago. In includes four species of Jungle fowl

that are selectively bred overtime. One of these is the Red Jungle Fowl also known as

Gallus gallus in which is considered as the ancestor of Domestic Chicken (Gallus

domesticus). In the Philippines as one of the countries where Labuyo or wild Red Jungle

Fowl are still present. Crossing of breeds has been occurring for almost a century

between wild birds and imported breeds which results to the existence of mixed breeds of

chickens. Due to this, over half of the number of chickens in the country are aligned on

the species of imported ones due to its superior advantage in terms of physical

development and egg laying capabilities. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority

(PSA), through conducting such research on April 2019 which estimated that there are
82.84 million of native chickens that amounts as 44% of the total of 184.88 million of

chickens in the country. (Gregg Yan, 14 August 2020, at 9:00am)

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, factors such as affordability,

lower fat content, and the absence of cultural and religious hindrances causes the growth

in chicken demand. Together with the growth of different food business which almost

prefer the use of chickens to be included as main dish. This resulted to the food spending

growth with per capita consumption rose by 4% per year from 11.6 kg in 2009 to 15.6 kg

in 2018, while the consumption averaged to 13.4 kg per person per year. With the

continues increase in demand for the different chicken related businesses, the problem

lies within the time consumed for the process the suppliers' use in order to cover the

number of chickens required for a particular business.

Innovation of technologies

Technologies plays a great role in terms of production of food industries. Chicken

plucker machines exist as a means of reducing the time compared to the traditional

process which requires a lot of effort for the said process to accomplish. With the

combination of heater and plucker, it provides a more efficient way of performing such

task.

This study entitled “Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor System Heater”

focuses on the three major processes of chicken plucking system. It is designed to resolve

the time and quality element of the process. The design will improve the efficiency of
processing the chicken between the processes and methods involve for the integrated

conveyor system heater.

Objectives of the study

Generally, this study focused on designing and fabricating a Chicken Plucker:

Integrated Conveyor System with Heater and for food industries.

1. To develop a chicken plucker with integrated conveyor system and heater.

2. To test if there is a significant difference between the manual plucking, pre-existing

plucking machine and Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor System with Heater in

terms of:

2.1 Number of plucked chickens (per hour)

2.2 Maximum Chicken Capacity per Operating Cycle

2.3 Quality of Chicken (removed feather)

Significance of the study

This study aims at designing a Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor System with

Heater, this study benefits the following people: farmers, consumers, researchers, future

researchers.
To the farmers or businessmen, they would be able to provide consistent amount as a

supplier of chickens to the consumers the sustains the demand while reducing the effort

and time exerted in the process.

To the consumers, it allows them to have and easy and accessible way of buying and

consuming chicken products.

To the researchers, this study provided the researchers sufficient knowledge in

designing the heater and chicken plucker. It also emphasizes the benefits of creating such

machine in terms of time and cost.

To the future researchers, the study will provide information and will serve as a

reference that will help them for future endeavors related to this study.

Scope and limitations

The study focuses on the fabrication of Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor System

with Heater. It consists of different major parts that is necessary for the machine to work.

The researchers will use heater and the plucking machine combined together for a more

effective performance compared to traditional and existing ones.

The study is limited to a simple chicken plucker with heater and build with minimum cost

that is necessary for the machine to work. The plucking machine's capacity involves 1

chicken per process with a duration of 30 seconds per chicken.

 Definition of Terms

Chicken Plucker - a cylindrical machine that is used for plucking the feathers off

poultry, usually used in poultry processing to defeather dead birds.

Cockfighting - a blood sport in which roosters are placed in a ring and forced to fight to

the death for the “amusement” of onlookers, considered illegal in certain countries.

Conveyor system - conveyor systems consist of a belt stretched across two or more

pulleys. The belt forms a closed loop around the pulleys so it can continually rotate.

Domestic Chicken - scientific name "Gallus domesticus" which vary in appearance from

breed to breed, though they share some common traits, including a squat stature, a

rounded body, dense feathers, and wattles of flesh around the face.

Heater - is a piece of equipment or a machine which is used to raise the temperature of

something. In this study, a heater is used to heat a chicken.

Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus or Gallus bankiva) Labuyo - one of four Asian species

in the genus Gallus. It is the wild ancestor of the domestic chicken.

 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

(S. O. Adetola, 2014) said that development of a poultry de-feathering machine is

such an economical practice of a mechanized poultry processing plants to replace the

removal of poultry feathers by hand for meat preparation, so as to increase the numbers

of poultry products processed per day. On the other hand, de-feathering or plucking

simply means the process of removing feathers from scalded fowl. Therefore,

development of a poultry defeathering machine is planning and building of a mechanical

structure that will remove feathers of poultry birds. To avoid accidents and infections

from poultry carcass which may occur during some of the processing operations, there is

need for user friendly, reliably and efficient poultry processing devices (Jekayinfa S. O,

2017)

According to (David R.A., 2009) Among the processes, feather removal is the

most time consuming and risky next to eviscerating process especially when carried out

manually. It takes an average time of 5 minutes for a person to de-feathering a bird.

[Buckland, C.,2005]. Manual de-feathering operation is done traditionally in this part of

the world by the use of hand after it has been soaked in hot water of about temperature 80

– 85 0C takes 40 – 50 seconds. This process results in low output, time consuming,

tedious and could lead to injury. The traditional way to pluck a chicken involves plunging

it into boiling water before you begin plucking. Plucking can take anywhere from five

minutes to a half hour, depending on how good you are at plucking.

 (Adeyinka A. A., Olawale J. O., 2015) have mentioned that the use of de-

feathering machine in processing chicken has contributed to the successful processing of

dressed and hygienic chicken for consumption. This is an improved and simplest method

of de-feathering operation; this is done after slaughtering the bird which is accompanied

by bleeding period. The dead bird is removed and lowered into a tank of heated water to a

certain temperature and then plucked by switching on the machine Different de-

feathering machine designs are available e.g. the table-top plucker machine, drum – style

de-feathering machine. Table-top plucker machine is very risky to drum-style de-

feathering and washing machine because, in table-top plucker machine, you will have to

up hold the chicken and gradually dropping the chicken to the spinning fingers and

manually move it around the machine but for drum-style plucker and washing, you just

need to lowered your chicken in the drum and allow the machine to do the whole job for

you. This machine is used for conditions of a chicken that has been boiled in hot water of

about temperature 80 – 85 0C first. This machine is designed easy to use and easily

removable.

This machine is important because the demand for chicken meat continues to

increase every year. These conditions impact on increasing demand for businesses-based

chicken from a chicken farm, slaughter chickens, broilers seller, chicken restaurants and

chicken-based company. On the other hand, people also began to care about the hygiene

and quality of the chicken so chicken processing should be supported with adequate

facilities and equipment both in terms of efficiency, quantity, quality and technology.

Chicken processing in large quantities will also make it difficult to control the level of
hygiene and quality of chicken meat, if processing is done manually. Therefore, the use

of appropriate technology is needed, especially in the chicken slaughter and plucking

chickens (Ogundipe, S.O, 2016). The various types of defeathering machine available

are the Drum style de-feathering machine and the horizontal defeathering machine.

[Buhr R. J., Walker J. M, 2014] reported this scalding temperature 71 0C and

above for (10 seconds duration), no hand picking of the remnant pin feathers is necessary.

Birds processed at this temperature are white and may start to discolor in as little as 3

days. Thus, the type of scald to be selected is very important in selecting processing

equipment, particularly for automated one rather than manual. The poultry scalded at

temperature range of 59 – 61 0C for 45 – 90 seconds duration, has skin discoloration

which does not occurred in water flow.

Chicken meat is the second most popular meat in the Philippines, following pork.

In 2004 the annual per capita pork consumption was 13.67 kg, followed by chicken meat

(8.26 kg), and beef (2.21 kg). Per capita consumption for chicken meat, pork, and beef

over the period 1991–2004 grew by 4.33%, 1.54%, and 2.67% for chicken meat, pork and

beef, respectively. The demand for chicken meat is increasing faster than that of other

meats, as observed elsewhere in the world, because of its many advantages, namely, its

lower price, lower fat content, and the more convenient and versatile methods of meal

preparation, compared to other meats (Landes et al. 2004).

However, per capita chicken meat consumption in the Philippines is low relative

to that of neighboring Asian countries. For example, the annual per capita chicken meat
consumption in 2004 was 13.52 kg and 37.59 kg in Thailand and Malaysia, respectively,

compared to 8.20 kg in the Philippines (Abuel-Ang 2005). High retail prices, relative to

household incomes, were cited as the main reason behind the relatively low demand.

Basic demand theory suggests that the demand for a product depends on its own

price, the prices of substitutes and complements, income, demographics and consumer

preference, as well as occasional shocks to the system such as FMD (foot-and-mouth

disease) and bird flu outbreaks. A number of meat demand studies have found that the

demand for chicken meat has been increasing because it has become cheaper relative to

other meats (Taha 2003; Landes et al. 2004; Conroy 2004; Fabiosa et al. 2004). Some

suggest that it is a result of income growth and urbanization (Costales et al. 2003;

Delgado et al. 2003).

According to Granot (2011), the absence of damage at this point leaves the

chicken ultimately undamaged, in most cases. The point that was identified (STP) may be

different from the rest of the breast skin in the type of feathers, the connection of the

feather to the skin, the concentration of collagen, or, possibly, some other factor. The

concentration of collagen in the skin is an important determinant of skin strength, and

was found to be negatively correlated with skin tears.

The tearing of carcass skin during the plucking process in the slaughterhouse has

become one of the major economic problems during processing. Chickens with tears slow

down the processing plant and are sold at lower prices, and muscle shredding frequently

appears after skin tears, which accentuates the problem (Schleifer, 1988).
 Good quality defeathering with a low percentage of skin tearing can be achieved

by raising the scalding temperature from 56 to 65 C. However, such a temperature can

cause damage to the skin structure, as a result, removing the feathers becomes harder,

resulting in increased skin tears and muscle shredding. In previous studies on skin

tearing, skin strength was compared for different chicken lines, sexes, and treatment.

Pieces of skin were collected from different parts of the body and breaking strength was

determined (Kafri et al., 1985; Weinberg et al., 1986).

Tanimola - Poultry (domestic fowl) is a species of birds reared for the production

of eggs, meats and feathers. Even though the term poultry is mostly used for chickens. It

also includes other avian species like turkey, duck, guinea-fowl and geese. The

processing of chicken is the sequence of treatments to which it is subjected to prepare it

for consumption. Poultry production industry at one time could be described as the most

successful in the livestock subsector. Commercial poultry production however increased

tremendously in Nigeria in the last few decades. This business is attractive because birds

are able to adapt easily, have high economic value and high rate of productivity that can

result in the production of meat within eight weeks and first egg production within

eighteen weeks of the first chick being hatched

(Adetola, 2012) said that poultry comes fourth among the major sources of

animal proteins for human consumption in Nigeria. Poultry meat is popularly consumed

among non-vegetarians world-wide due to its low fat and calorific content. The relatively

increased preference for chicken over some other type P Nigerian Journal of Engineering

Science and Technology Research, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2018 (1-7) 2 2 of meat has generated
keen interests in poultry farming and processing industry. Likewise, with the growing

world population livestock consumption rate may have to increase correspondingly to

meet the effective protein requirement of the world. Therefore, there is need for user-

friendly, reliably and efficient poultry processing devices in order to meet up with ever

increasing demand of poultry meat. There has been an increase in the number of poultry

processing industries in the country since the Federal Government of Nigeria as a policy

measure to revive the economy encourages the local poultry farmers. There are numbers

of important activities involved in the production of poultry meat, these activities are;

slaughtering, scalding, de-feathering process, eviscerating, chilling, deboning, packaging

and storing. De-feathering process is identified as highly technical and time consuming

among the various numbers of poultry processing activities especially when carried out

manually

(R. Capital, C.A. Calleja, M. Pietro, M. Fernandez, C.G. Del, and B. Moreno,

2002) reported that poultry meat contributes substantially to the human diet. In order to

optimize energy and overcome difficulties involved in manual de-feathering process of

chicken several factors such as scalding temperature, duration of immersion, age of the

chicken and feather retention force determine the quality of the final product

Weinberg et al. (1986) found that tensile skin strength in females increased with

age. This factor also did not bear any relation to tearing in the slaughterhouse (Pitcovski

et al. 1994). The study was performed in a typical commercial slaughterhouse with

equipment that is in use all over the world. It is hard to predict whether the same

phenomenon will appear using any other plucking machine, but unpublished data from
other slaughterhouses in Israel show similar results regarding STP. Skin tears and muscle

shredding are severe problems in Kosher plucking for many years. The adjustment of the

picker is done with each new flock that enters the line according to the size of the birds.

The adjustment is done by professional persons. In a previous study of Pitcovski no

correlation was found between body weight and muscle shredding. Therefore, adjustment

by itself cannot solve the problem of skin tearing. There are two possible explanations for

skin tearing. The first is that, following the plucking of most of the feathers by the first

two machines, the skin is unprotected during the passage of the chicken through the third

and fourth machines, and exposure to their plucking action damages the skin. In such a

case, the strength of the skin would be the most important factor, because strong skin

would withstand the force that is exerted by the plucking fingers.

According to M. Sedlackova Feather structure of the locally available chicken in

Nigeria is similar to that of the exotic type but experiment on this study base on the

indigenous local chicken shows that there are factors which affect feather structure of

both the exotic and local chicken which are more severe on the indigenous chicken which

may be responsible for the feather retention force (FRF) of the indigenous bird compared

to exotic is evident and significant through the scalding temperature and immersion

duration. The factors are as follows: Nutritional factor, Physical environment, Sex

differences, Age, Physiological control of feather while from the report of A. A. Klose, E.

P. Meechi and M.F. Pool, Feather release by scalding another factor, Finland, Academic

Press, 1962, chicken defeathering machine is a machine whose function is to pull out the

feathers of the chicken skin. The defeathering process is one of the most processing
before bird reaches the end product for cooking. It involves removing feather from the

slaughtered bird. A de-feathering machine for removing the feather of poultry birds

removes the feather under the force supplied to the rubber finger by the rotating electric

motor. In order to optimize energy and overcome difficulties involved in manual de-

feathering process of chicken, several factors such as scalding temperature, duration of

immersion, age of the chicken and feather retention force determine the quality of the

final product

The materials used for this study include; de-feathering machine, Teflon, rubber tire, stop

watch, digital weighing machine, rubber tire was used because of its flexibility and

toughness. However, during the early stages of production of this kind of machine in

Europe, there was a debate on the said machine whether the rubber fingers has any

harmful effect on the carcass as regards to its consumption. But was confirmed that

rubber use for such purpose do not have any significant effect on carcass Adetola, S. O.,

Onawi, A. S. and Lucas, E. B. (2012)

Conceptual Framework

In the pursuit of fabricating the prototype and the study of the Chicken Plucker:

Integrated Conveyor System Heater and Dicer, basic and advanced concepts, theories

which can be utilized for the progress of the study were put to together. The proposed

prototype will be mechanically determined by a 1HP motor machine they will serve as

the main function of the whole system. It will be also containing moving part such as the

conveyor and heater. In order to fulfill all the desired objectives of the study, the

researcher made a checklist about the process perse which is acceptable by instructor.
 Research Paradigm
INPUT
Conceptualizing and
searching the concept and
information about the
plucking method and how
this process produces a good
quality of undressed chicken.
PROCESS OUTPUT
 Planning and
Designing
 Fabricating
Chicken Plucker :
 Initial Testing
Integrated Conveyor
 Adjusting and
System and Heater
other parts
 Final testing
 Data gathering
 Figure 1

Input-Process-Output Model of the Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor and Heater

Machine.

The researchers will consider researching for existing studies related to the

Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor and Heater Machine. In order to determine and

identify the demands and latest developments about the subject. The researchers will

gather the data by searching on the internet and previous research projects for the existing

design which they could use for the development of this study.

In this stage, the researchers will conceptualize, create and develop a design for

the Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor and Heater Machine. The researchers will also

consider multiple factors which will affect the process of the machine. After making final

designs and choosing the materials and mechanism that will be used, the researchers will

design for the most efficient and effecting output of the product. The whole assembly will

be constructed. The primary testing was done in order to identify any error that will

occur.

The output of this study, Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor and Heater

Machine which will be used as an alternative way of defeathering chicken is expected to

deliver its purpose efficiently and effectively.

Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to create a Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor

and Heater Machine. The technical study aimed to be useful and successful with the help

of the following basis for further investigation.

1. Alternative Hypothesis: The use of Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor and

Heater Machine is as effective as manually defeathering

2. Null Hypothesis: The use of the Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor and

Heater Machine is not as an effective as existing defeathering machines.

 Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

The researchers will be designing and fabricating a Chicken Plucker: Integrated

Conveyor and Heater Machine. It will be achieved by utilizing the major parts including

in the fabrication of the machine. The design involves a heater which serves as the first

step of the process. Next is with the plucking part of the machine, this is where the

undressing of chicken is performed. And finally, to the conveyor which mechanically

transport the product to the any storage.

This chapter will also deal with the methods and procedures that will help the

researchers to know how the study should be conducted. This chapter represents the

research locale, variables of the study, research design, research instrument, data sources,

data gathering procedures, the process of defeathering the chicken, and statistical

analysis.

Research Locale

The research was proposed to be tested for the benefits of the chicken poultry

owners in Atimonan, Quezon. In addition to this a survey was used to determine the

existing equipment used by local chicken poultry owners.

Research Design

This study, “Chicken Plucker: Integrated Conveyor and Heater,” is an

experimental type of research. This research method was able to determine the

correlation between variables. Utilizing an experimental type of research, the researchers

aim to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the research prototype design and

identify how it is significantly different from other existing designs.

Research Instrument

The researchers used different kinds of apparatus for gathering the data for the

accomplishment of this study. Using different devices and apparatuses, the fabrication of

the machine will be done accordingly.

The researchers will be using various measuring devices in gathering the data

necessary to measure the effectiveness of the prototype to be made.

The apparatuses will be:

A. Stopwatch - a handheld timepiece designed to measure the amount of time

elapsed from a time when it is activated to the time when the piece is deactivated.

B. Weighing Scale – used to determine the input and output mass of the product.
Data Collection

A. Record elapsed time of Plucking after putting the raw meat of chicken and after

the product has been undressed.

B. Product evaluation of acceptability using the questionnaire method.

C. Measuring viscosity using the improvised method.

D. Interpretation of data referenced to the evaluations.

Material Selection Procedure

The procedures in the selection of materials to be used in the fabrication of the

machine are the following:

A. Determine the materials and components to be used in the construction of the

machine.

B. Select the most appropriate materials suitable to the machine according to its

usage,

dimensions, capacities, and specifications.

C. Find for alternatives in case that the selected materials are not available in the

market.

D. Choose the most cost-effective materials but choose without affecting the quality

and the function of the machine to be constructed.

Methods of Fabrication

The following are the procedures of creating and fabricating the machine:

A. Identifying and selection of the different materials needed in the machine

construction.

B. Finding the suitable support for the function of the machine.

C. Assembly of the materials chosen in the respective positions.

D. Connecting the hose, and push-buttons, and various other equipment required

in the development of the system.

E. Testing the machine functions and adjusting.

Safety Precautions

      The following are the safety precautions when operating the machine:

A. Always check the components if they are in the right condition to operate.

B. Always check if there is a contaminant in the plucking chamber and the in the

heater

C. Never make any adjustments while the machine is operating.

D. Never remove machine safeguards and components while operating.

E. Always wear the required protective equipment.

F. Always clean the components contacted with the product after use.
General Operating Procedure

A. Prepare the dressed chicken.

B. Plug in the power supply.

C. Open the Electric stove and set the burner on medium heat.

D. Wait for the stove to boil.

E. Dip the chicken into the heater for minimum of 10 seconds.

F. Move the chicken into the plucking chamber and begin the plucking process.

G. After this process, move the undressed chicken onto the conveyor using the safety

pushing mechanism of the machine.

H. Then, the automatic conveyor will move the chicken onto the storage bin.

I. Turn off the machine and remove all plugs.

J. Clean the machine if it gets untidy.

Survey Questionnaire

Greetings! We are undergraduate students from Southern Luzon State University

currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and as a partial
fulfillment of other requirements of our degree we are asking for a small portion of your
time by completing the following survey. The aim of this questionnaire is to identify the
population of Poultry Owners using Chicken Plucker manually or automatically. Thank
you for taking your time in assisting me with this research. Under no circumstances are
you obliged to answer any of the questions, however, in doing so will greatly assist me in
completing my research and enhancing the understanding of this research focus. The data
collected will remain confidential and used solely for academic purposes.

With Plucking Machine

Yes No

1. Do you use a machine for chicken defeathering?

Kindly proceed to question number

0-30 31-60 1-2 3

Second Seconds Minutes Minutes

2. How long does your chicken

plucker machine operate
before being able to produce an
output (per chicken)
 1 2 3 4

3. How many chickens can your machine

operate at one operating cycle?

Yes No

4. Does your machine include safety removal of the

chicken plucker?

1hp 2hp 3hp

5. What is the power of the motor that you are

using?

For Manual Plucking Process

3
0-30
31-60 1-2 Minutes
Second
Seconds Minutes or
s
More

6. How long do you usually pluck

the feather out of your

chicken?

Yes No
7. If given the chance, would you invest for a

chicken plucker instead?

Computation for Burner

Speed of Pulley

Research Timeline

Mechanical Components

The researchers will design a chicken plucker made from a 55 gallons HDPE

drum with a height of 33 inches and 22.5 inches diameter. This drum consists of fingers

pointed inside with the first row starts at 8 inches from the top. With 3 rows every 3

inches and staggered and 3 inches on centers. And the fourth row which is 1 inch lower

and 3 inches on the center. With a total of 144 fingers used for the drum. This component

has a discharge aperture connected on the side 18.5 inches from above with a dimension

of 3 inches height and 12 inches wide. In addition to this is the plate aluminum located in

the lower part inside the drum also with fingers attached. With a diameter of 20 inches

with 4 rows of fingers with 3 inches spacing between rows and also the same spacing

with the center. This drum consists of a tube from where water sprays into the drum

which washes the feathers away from the inside surfaces of the drum as well as the

aluminum plate. The design involves a mini conveyor beside the discharge aperture

which allow to move the undressed chicken outside the plucker drum. The researchers
also provide a V- belt drive slot with a dimension of 16 inches wide, 2 inches tall and 23

inches length from the top. This slot is for the gear connecting the plate aluminum to the

motor which is responsible for its rotation.

Heater Components

The researchers utilize the use of burner/ electrical stove in order to heat the water

from where chickens are dipped before engaging into the plucking process. Water heating

process last from 3 to 5 minutes. The chickens are put into the heated water with

sufficient time until it is ready for the undressing. Survey results shows that 10 seconds

for dipping is enough. Heating range are only limited to the maximum range of the burner

as long as the heat is consistent. Requirement for specific heat is not needed.

Material Property Table

The researchers will connect the system into a electrical outlet which will serve as

the source of power for the system to work. This electrical outlet powers the burner/

electrical stove which heats the water. It is connected to the motor which is responsible

for the rotation of the aluminum plate for the undressing process.
 Table 1: Material Property Table

Part Function Material Reason

Supporting the
High Density Poly
Frame structure of the Strength
Ethylene (HDPE)
machine.

Transfer torque to
Shaft Mild Steel Torsional Strength
the disk

Holds the fingers and

High Density Poly Lightweight and
Plucking Chamber ensures rotary
Ethylene (HDPE) food-safe material.
contract

Removes the feather

Rubber Fingers Polypropylene Food safe plastic.
of the bird

Responsible for the

Rotating Plate rotation and holding Aluminum Lightweight strong.

the rubber fingers.

Serve as a pathway

for the aperture of High Density Poly Lightweight and

Base
the feather and Ethylene (HDPE) strong.

water.
 Motor : 3Hp

Single Phased 60Hz For conventional use

Primary Power
of material
1720 RPM

Reversible

Serve as an opening
V-Belt Drive Slot - -
for the V-Belt

Serve as an opening

Discharge Aperture for the discharge of - -

the feathers.

Serve as the
V-Belt actuating and Rubber or Synthetic
-
47” Long – 1/2” Inch rotational force for Rubber Stocks

the plate

Additional Pulley

that ensures the

Jockey Pulley Nylon -
tension of belt is

correct

Cross Linked
PEX Anchor - -
Polyethylene
 Serve as a pathway

Manifold/Pump for the water towards - -

the plucking machine

Serve as a switch for

Switch the various parts of - -

the machine.

Electric Burner Used for heating the

2000 Watts/ water for the chicken - -

Induction to dip.

Will be used to

Conveyor transport the Chicken - -

outside the Plucker

ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

In a study conducted by Omoniyi Ezekiel B (2019), the following trials were used

in the development of their plucking machine, this trial will be used to determine the

efficiency of the fabricated plucker.

Test No. Initial Weight Final Weight Weight of Time

(kg) Feather (s)
Removed (kg)
 1 -- -- -- --

2 -- -- -- --

3 -- -- -- --

4 -- -- -- --

5 -- -- -- --

After the fabrication and construction of the machine, various tests was done, and

results taken for running time. For a successful de feathering, the bird must be scalded in

the right temperature to avoid damage to the skin of the birds during de feathering.

Research Procedure

The researchers will be designing a chicken plucker with integrated conveyor

heater system and dicer. During the fabrication of the machine, adjustments and changes

are meet thus trials are executed in order to achieve the objectives of the study which is to

guarantee its effectiveness compare to the manual process. The following are the steps to

conclude to the final output.

1. Gathering of the major parts for the system. Accumulation of the components

is a necessary step in order to fabricate the machine. Factors such as cost and

effectiveness are considered for the selection of materials which will compose

the output.
 2. Next step after completing the necessary elements is that the researchers

perform several test or trials for the machine to ensure that it is working

properly.

3. Then, the researchers will perform the machine's application in order to

observe and measure its efficiency. Starts with putting chickens into the heater

and letting it heat until it is ready. After that is the undressing process. As the

operation progresses, the researchers will monitor the machine's behavior or

effectiveness and the quality of the final product that undergoes the process.

4. The results that will be gathered will be used to adjust, and develop the

machine for it to achieve its maximum efficiency.

Research Locale

The study will be conducted on Atimonan, Quezon wherein most of the

researchers are currently dwelling. This municipality was chosen due to two factors, first

is the location which will provide an easier access of the materials for the fabrication of

machine. It is either through online or from the shops located on the said location. With

this reason, the researchers will be able to reduce the cost for the study. Next is the

demand or the increase of the businesses related to chickens in the municipality. Coming

up with this machine will bring a huge advantage for the stores residing on the selected

place.

CHAPTER IV
 Results and Discussions

This chapter presents the interpretation and analysis of the information used in the

fabrication and assembly of the machine and the data obtained from the actual testing.

Table
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APPENDIX