THESIS TITLE

Master Thesis

by

First_Name1 Middle_Initial. Last_Name1, ID1

First_Name2 Middle_Initial. Last_Name2, ID2

First_Name3 Middle_Initial. Last_Name3, ID3

Submitted to the School of Engineering of the

Lebanese International University

Beirut, Lebanon

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

Summer 2018 - 2019

Approved By

Title 1st_name last_name

Supervisor Date Signature

Title 1st_name last_name

Committee Member Date Signature

Title 1st_name last_name

Committee Member Date Signature

 DEDICATION

Write your dedication.

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Acknowledge everyone who helped you.

iii
 ABSTRACT

Abstract of the thesis or the project.

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION............................................................................................................II

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS......................................................................................III

ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................III

TABLE OF CONTENTS..........................................................................................III

LIST OF FIGURES..................................................................................................III

LIST OF TABLES....................................................................................................III

LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS....................................................III

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION...............................................................................3

1.1. Level 2 Section.................................................................................................3

1.1.1. Level 3 Section........................................................................................3

1.1.1.1. First Method (Shortest and Recommended):..................................3

1.1.1.2. Second Method:..............................................................................3

1.1.1.3. Figure Citation in the Text..............................................................3

1.1.1.4. Level 4 Section...............................................................................3

1.1.1.5. Level 4 Section...............................................................................3

1.1.1.6. First Method (Shortest and Recommended):..................................3

1.1.1.7. Second Method:..............................................................................3

1.1.1.8. Table Citation in the Text...............................................................3

1.1.1.9. Level 4 Section...............................................................................3

CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW...................................................................3

2.1. Level 2 Section.................................................................................................3

CHAPTER 3. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS.........................................................3

3.1. Level 2 Section.................................................................................................3

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 3.2. Equations...........................................................................................................3

CHAPTER 4. DESIGN................................................................................................3

4.1. Level 2 Section.................................................................................................3

CHAPTER 5. NON-TECHNICAL ASPECTS..........................................................3

5.1. Introduction.......................................................................................................3

5.2. Economical/Financial.......................................................................................3

5.3. Project Management.........................................................................................3

5.4. Ethical and Social.............................................................................................3

5.5. Environmental and Sustainability.....................................................................3

5.6. Standards...........................................................................................................3

CHAPTER 6. RESULTS.............................................................................................3

6.1. Level 2 Section.................................................................................................3

CHAPTER 7. CONCLUSION....................................................................................3

APPENDIX A. TITLE OF THE APP A....................................................................3

A.1. Level 2 in Appendix, Apply Heading 6...........................................................3

A.1.1. Level 3 in Appendix, Apply Heading 7..................................................3

A.1.1.1. Level 4 in Appendix, apply Heading 8..........................................3

A.1.2. Equations in Appendix A........................................................................3

APPENDIX B. TITLE OF THE APP B.....................................................................3

B.1. Level 2 Section, Apply Heading 2...................................................................3

B.2. For the References:...........................................................................................3

B.2.1. To Cite a New Reference........................................................................3

B.2.2. Equations in Appendix B........................................................................3

REFERENCES.............................................................................................................3

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vii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1. First figure in chapter I................................................................................3

Figure 1.2. Second figure in chapter I............................................................................3

Figure 2.1. First figure in chapter II...............................................................................3

Figure 3.1. First figure in chapter III.............................................................................3

Figure 4.1. First figure in chapter IV.............................................................................3

Figure A.1. First figure in appendix A...........................................................................3

Figure B.1. First figure in appendix B...........................................................................3

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1. First table in Chapter 1..................................................................................3

Table A.1. First table in Appendix A.............................................................................3

Table B.1. First Table in Appendix B............................................................................3

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 LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

In alphanumerical order.

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 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. INTRODUCTION

Grass is the natural diet for animal livestock. For a high quality dairy farming, quality
green grass should be fed regularly to the dairy animals. However, due to many
reasons, green grass production has been facing a serious crisis and so the dairy cow
productivity. The major constraints in production of green grass by dairy farmers are
the unavailability of land for cultivation due to small land holding size of the farm,
more growth time and natural calamities. Further, the non-availability of green grass
round the year cause problems for dairy farming. Due to these constraints,
hydroponics fodder technology becomes as an alternative way for growing grass for
farm animals.
The technology of grass fodder production is especially important in the regions
where forage production is limited due to natural calamities. The grass fodder is
produced from grains, having a high germination rate and grown for a short period of
time in a special conditions area that provides the appropriate growing conditions.
The adoption of this technique has enabled the production of fresh forage from oats,
barley, wheat and other grains. Over recent years, severe shortages in feed supplies
for livestock have been experienced in many countries due to repeated droughts as
well as shortages of water for irrigation.
Therefore, many projects to produce forages have been established during the last two
decades to cover some green and dry forage needs in these countries. [1]
Here we came to an idea to make a full automated green fodder production farm to
feed cattle for a healthy livestock and increase in fertility rates.
Using the sciences of nutrition, microbiology and biochemistry combined to produce
the best foods for dairy cattle. For a high milk production cattle requires a healthy
food system that supplies carbohydrates, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins
and water. Upraising cows constitute 15% 20% of dairy farm expenses and usually is
the second or third highest cost on the dairy farm.
Feed cost is the greatest expense while labor is the second or third greatest expense.
The central problem in Lebanon is concentrated on the high cost and storage of cattle
foods. After raising the dollar price vs Lebanese currency the cost of feed increased
by double (approximately 1,200,000L.L) per ton the farmers started realizing that the
farm is just a los for them and started to slaughter the cows for meat.

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 Figure 1.1. Goat eating grass.

1.1.1. Hydroponic fodder production:

Grass fodder is produced by growing plants in water but without using any soil is
known as hydroponics fodder or sprouted grains or sprouted fodder.
Hydroponics is a technology that has revolutionized the green fodder production in
the 21st century. Hydroponics is a method of growing green fodder without soil in
environmentally controlled houses.
Hydroponic fodder is an effective solution for fodder scarcity and is very promising
for sustainable livestock production in different regions. It is essentially the
germination of a seed and sprouted into a high quality, highly nutritious, disease-free
animal food in a hygienic environment free of chemicals like insecticides, herbicides,
fungicides and artificial growth promoters. This process takes place in a very versatile
and intensive hydroponic growing unit where only supplying cereal grain with
necessary water, nutrients and sunlight to produce a grass and root combination that is
very lush and high in nutrients. This green fodder is extremely high in protein and
metabolizable energy, which is highly digestible by most animals.
Hydroponics is a year-round growing system that produces a consistent quantity and
quality
of plant material or fodder, regardless of outside weather.
In hydroponics fodder production technology, water-soaked seeds are kept on trays
and allowed to germinate (sprout) inside controlled environment for a short duration.
Green fodder production takes 6 to 7 days with a 0.5m3 usage of water for production
of 1 tons of feed in the area of about 100m2.

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From 1kg seeds, it can be possible to grow 6-10kg of green fodder. In addition to this,
recycling of water in hydroponic fodder production system allows solving problems
related to water scarcity.
At the end of the growing period, the fodder is fed to livestock as a supplement in the
same way that hay and silage are currently used. [2]

Figure 1.1.1 Hydroponic fodder trays with maize seeds.

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1.1.2. Effects on digestibility:

Nutrient digestibility increase by using sprouted grains in the ruminant diet. This may
be due to the presence of bioactive catalysts which increases digestion and absorption
of nutrients and the release of energy. The addition of sprouted grains increases
nutrient digestibility; increased digestibility by using sprouted grain in the diet of
broilers and large animals. This was achieved possibly by changes in rate and extent
of digestion and absorption. During germination, enzymes are produced which
reduces the viscosity of the digesta and improves the digestion and absorption of
nutrients. This is also due to the presence of grass juice factor. [3]

1.1.3. Effects on milk yield and composition:

Hydroponic fodder can help to improve the quality and quantity of milk production.
Research results indicated that milk yield was improved. There were 3.9% increase in
the milk yield due to feeding of hydroponics barley fodder and 13.7% increase in the
milk yield due to feeding of hydroponics maize fodder. This improvement may be due
to increase in nutrient quality of hydroponic fodder through sprouting. Early research
on hydroponic sprout reported the presence of a grass juice factor that improved
livestock performance. More recent research has also indicated that hydroponic
sprouts are a rich source of nutrient and they contain the grass juice factors that
improve the performance of livestock. A study on dairy cows supplemented with
hydroponic barley (10kg) indicated that milk yield was increased significantly (16.14
vs. 13.49 liter/day). And a slight improvement in milk protein, milk fat and total
solids in dairy goat.
A test completed on milk production with a diet of fodder versus one of the normal
feeds such as grain, hay or silage showed a vast improvement in milk production and
butterfat content. A group of 60 cows on a fodder diet increased their milk production
by 10.07%. In addition, the fodder fed group also produced a butterfat content of
14.26% higher as compared to those fed on a regular diet. In another study from
Canadian, there was an increase in 3.6kg per day milk production per cow over the
lactation period. Furthermore, from South Africa, milking cows dropped 3.6 liters of
milk per milking after leaving off the green fodder, which was fed at the rate of 6.8kg
per day. Results also revealed that milk yield was increased by 0.5-2.5
liters/animal/day due to the feeding of hydroponic fodder to dairy animals.
They were concluded that malt sprouts were increased the whole milk yield and milk
fat content. [4]

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Table 1 Mild Yield on 2 group of cows

1.1.3.1. Water use efficiency:

Water is one of the basic requirements for seed germination and seedling growth as it
is essential for enzyme activation, reserve storage breakdown, translocation, and use
in seed germination and seedling growth. Hydroponically produced fodder was found
to enhance the efficiency of water use (WUE). Some reported that hydroponic green
fodder production technique requires only about 10–20% of the water needed to
produce the same amount of crop in soil culture. While Al-Karaki and Al- Momani
reported that only 3–5% of water is needed to produce the same amount of fodder in
comparison to that produced under field conditions. Similar data were
reported by other researchers. Producing green fodders under hydroponic conditions
is a highly efficient process in terms of water saving when compared to field
production of green fodders. [5][6]

1.1.3.2. Conclusion:

Dairy cattle require green fodder for high milk yield. However, it cannot available
throughout the year and in some area, it is difficult to have access for green fodder.
Thus, hydroponic fodder production has become an alternative way to fulfill this
green fodder requirement of the dairy cow. The adoption of this technique has enabled
the production of fresh forage from grains without soil. Hydroponic fodder has high
nutritive value due to the conversion of complex compounds into simpler and
essential form, and activation of enzymes during germination. Thus, it contains high
protein, vitamins and minerals which are essential for dairy cows. There were
improvements in digestibility and intake of nutrients results in increased milk yields
and quality like milk fat of dairy cow on the feeding of hydroponic fodder.

5
 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. RESEARCH

In this paper a farm will be presented with all shop drawings, system design and

system installation. We are looking forward to achieve a goal of healthy livestock and

cattle for a high milk quality and production. Over the recent century many farmers

found the solution for animals to have green grass over the year. It is a method of

sprouting seeds on shelfs and racks in controlled room temperature and humidity and

some in fresh air with nets to avoid insect entrance. Researchers found that in some

areas fodder should be in a room for a quality fodder because of the role of

temperature and humidity that affects 90% of the final product. For a small to medium

farms that contains 20 cows a room of 15m2 is enough for racks, trays and system

installation because we are vertically placing trays.

One tray holds 0.5 to 1 kg of seeds after being soaked in water for 12 hour. One tray

can produce from 5 to 10 kg of fresh green fodder.

Steel racks or aluminium or even PVC can be installed to hold the trays for 7 days till

cropping. A variety of seeds can be grown to maintain a healthy diet for cattle; such

as barely, wheat, alfalfa and maize. To fulfil all nutrient needs, one should know what

to feed.

The room which production is taking place in is controlled with PLC thus a variety of

sensors are taking control of the room temperature and humidity. Thus an AC and a

sprinkler are needed. Moreover a pump system is needed for irrigation and a drain

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system to collect unused water and filter it for water use reduction. 16 hours of light

are needed per day, we need special LED or fluorescent for germination.

Here we are making a full project to a client whom wants to build a farm with a house

from scratch.

Figure 2.2.Trays on rack.

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 CHAPTER 3. PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS

3.1. LEVEL 2 SECTION

The project specifications and requirements are the topic of this chapter. We

don’t expect a long chapter here (around 2 pages).

Figure 3.3. First figure in chapter III.

3.2. EQUATIONS

For the equations, the best practice is to Copy-Paste-Edit the equation below

then update it by selection the number and hitting F9 on your Keyboard, then Edit the

equation.

2
A=π r (3.1)

8
 CHAPTER 4. DESIGN

4.1. LEVEL 2 SECTION

This chapter presents the design itself in terms: block diagrams, detailed

architecture, and calculation.

Figure 4.4. First figure in chapter IV.

9
 CHAPTER 5. NON-TECHNICAL ASPECTS

5.1. INTRODUCTION

Every Senior Project, Capstone Project and Master Thesis Project report

must include sections that cover non-technical aspects. These sections can form one

chapter or can be explicitly embedded in the report chapters. The following sections

present the recommended aspects with brief descriptions.

5.2. ECONOMICAL/FINANCIAL

A cost-benefit analysis justifying the viability of the project should be done.

Students should include a bill of material (BoM) detailing the material (parts,

components, tools, …) needed for the project along with their estimated costs.  The

estimated labor effort (hours/days) should also be included.  Benefits may be tangible

(Savings, reductions, or similar items that may quantified) and intangible (Stress,

comfort, satisfaction, …).

5.3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Definition of project scope, stakeholders, risks, schedule and milestones

should be captured using appropriate tools, artifacts and best practices. 

10
5.4. ETHICAL AND SOCIAL

Integrity, honesty, prudence, fairness, respect, conflict of interest, social

responsibility, equity, confidentiality, informed consent and common good should be

assessed to examine the potential effects of the project deployment in the target

community. This may be best understood as comparing the “intent” of the project

versus the “impact” as it compares the good that you and your design team intend for

your customer to the way in which the design contributes to this notion of a common

good in society.

5.5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY

How the implementation of the project would impact the community

environment and sustainability? This is crucial as the environment is something to be

both cared for and enjoyed by society at large.  Special considerations include: 

Reduction of waste production and pollution, Energy conservation and energy

renewal, maintaining natural resources, community health, safety, and welfare etc.

5.6. STANDARDS

The project should assess the proposed solution in the context of relevant

engineering standards and applied constraints.  Engineering standards are commonly

used in the design and evaluation of engineering products. These standards are

commonly created by independent domestic or international organizations,

government regulatory agencies, as well as industry sponsored organizations.

Standards may relate to topics as diverse as standard material definitions,

11
characteristics and properties; lab and safety procedures; design methodologies such

as finite element analysis (FEA); manufacturing processes; and testing and evaluation

procedures. Among the most well-known standards organizations are the following:

International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ASTM International, American

National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Institute of Standards and Technology,

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), etc.

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 CHAPTER 6. RESULTS

6.1. LEVEL 2 SECTION

This chapter presents the simulation and/or measurement results. It could

compare them with the requirements and any design calculation performed in the

design chapter.

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 CHAPTER 7. CONCLUSION

Conclusion of the project.

14
 APPENDIX A. TITLE OF THE APP A

A.1. LEVEL 2 IN APPENDIX, APPLY HEADING 6

For the captions in Appendices, you must use copy-paste from the figures

and tables below.

Figure A.5. First figure in appendix A.

Table A.2. First table in Appendix A

A-D A B C D
1 A1 B1 C1 D1
2 A2 B2 C2 D2
3 A3 B3 C3 D3

A.1.1. Level 3 in Appendix, Apply Heading 7

A.1.1.1. Level 4 in Appendix, apply Heading 8

A.1.2. Equations in Appendix A

15
 For the equations in Appendix, the best practice is to Copy-Paste-Edit the

equation below then update it by selection the number and hitting F9 on your

Keyboard, then Edit the equation.

A=π r 2 (A.1)

16
 APPENDIX B. TITLE OF THE APP B

B.1. LEVEL 2 SECTION, APPLY HEADING 2

For the captions in Appendices, you must use copy-paste from the figures

and tables below.

Figure B.6. First figure in appendix B.

Table B.3. First Table in Appendix B.

B.2. FOR THE REFERENCES:

References must be entered in “REFERENCES” section before they are

cited. The style is “references”. The template will number citations consecutively

within brackets [1]. Refer simply to the reference number, as in [2]—do not use “Ref.

[2]” or “reference [2]” except at the beginning of a sentence: “Reference [2] was the

first ...”

17
 Unless there are six authors or more give all authors’ names; do not use “et

al.”. Papers that have not been published, even if they have been submitted for

publication, should be cited as “unpublished” [3]. Papers that have been accepted for

publication should be cited as “in press” [4]. Capitalize only the first word in a paper

title, except for proper nouns and element symbols.

B.2.1. To Cite a New Reference

Insert Cross-reference  select: Reference Type= numbered item 

select: Insert reference to: Paragraph number  in “For which numbered item”, scroll

to your reference  select your reference  click Insert

B.2.2. Equations in Appendix B

For the equations in Appendix, the best practice is to Copy-Paste-Edit the

equation below then update it by selection the number and hitting F9 on your

Keyboard, then Edit the equation.

A=π r 2 (B.2)

18
 REFERENCES

[1] G. Eason, B. Noble, and I.N. Sneddon, “On certain integrals of Lipschitz-
Hankel type involving products of Bessel functions,” Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc.
London, vol. A247, pp. 529-551, April 1955. (references)
[2] I.S. Jacobs and C.P. Bean, “Fine particles, thin films and exchange anisotropy,”
in Magnetism, vol. III, G.T. Rado and H. Suhl, Eds. New York: Academic,
1963, pp. 271-350.
[3] K. Elissa, “Title of paper if known,” unpublished.
[4] R. Nicole, “Title of paper with only first word capitalized,” J. Name Stand.
Abbrev., in press.

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