2012 IEEE Symposium on Business, Engineering and Industrial Applications

The Theoretical Framework Study of Artificial

Walet Nest Template from Stoneware Body
S.A.Rahim, Z. A. Rahim, V. V. Vermol, R. Anwar, A.R.Jalil and O. H. Hassan
Department of Industrial Ceramic,
Faculty of Art and Design
UniversitiTeknologi MARA
40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract—Young swiftlets are not able to build their own nest structures known as swifts’ house [2].Figure 1 shows typical
as it should. This led to an odd form that reduced its birds building their nest.
commercial values. The role of Swiftlets template nest is to
According to Agger et-al, the edible nests from swiftlets
guide the young swiftlet to build a typical form that will
have been a part of Chinese pharmacy since the T’ang
increase its commercial values. The current nest template used
Dynasty (618- 907) and it is the main ingredient in the
is made of plastic, silicone and rubber. By using ceramic
famous and very expensive bird’s nest soup, which is
materials as a nest template, it will bring the swiftlets close to
believed to be healthy for the skin and give one a good long
their habitat which is limestone cave and thus make the
life [3].
population growth faster. The conceptual framework on how
to study this problem was proposed. The framework will be a
major guideline in producing high quality nest resulting from
stoneware body nest template.

Keywords - Swiftlets, Template nest, Stoneware body

I. INTRODUCTION

Walet in Southeast is a species of a bird similar to

swallows, sparrows and house swifts but they are not closely
related to each other. Swiftlets have short legs and descend
on the ground. They perch vertically on surfaces of their
nest. Currently, there are 24 species of Swiftlets recorded in Figure 1. Typical bird nest
the world. The five species of Swiftletswhich are commonly
found in Malaysia and Borneo Island are Hydrochousgigas,
On the other hand, Swiftlet nests are reputed to enhance
Collocalia esculent (white belly swifts), Asian Palm Swift
vigour and recuperate suffers of chronic diseases such as TB,
(Cypsiurusbalasiensis, Aerodramusmaximus and
dysentery and malariaas stated by Tompkins [4].
Aerodramusfuciphagus) [1].
The edible salivary bird’s nest of
Swiftlets or Aerodramusfuciphagus are small
theAerodramusfuciphagus species built during the breeding
insectivorous birds,weigh an average of 14 g, have dull
season. The major chemical components of edible bird nest
plumage and are known to echolocate [2]. Viruhpintu et-al
are mainly carbohydrates, glyproteinsand some trace
stated thatAerodramus species builds nest wholly from its
elements. Sialic acid (9%) is the major component of
saliva which make Aerodramus as an important species
carbohydrate in edible bird nest. The sialic acid beneficial to
regarding its valuable nest, which is most highly priced.
the neurological,intellectual advantages in infants and good
Generally, the edible-nest swiftlets are cave dwellers and
for preventing Influenza A and B, increasing fertility and
their nesting area are usually inaccessible for human and
controlling blood coagulation[5]. Figure 2 shows the built
located in dim to completely dark sites in limestone caves.
nest on artificial cave. The cave is made from wood dim.
They are also found in abandoned houses or man-made

978-1-4577-1634-8/12/$26.00 ©2012 IEEE 611

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Figure 2. Built nest on wood
At the moment, Nitrite content NO2over 30 ppm is
consider high. Some country like China did not accept
Nitrite content more than 30 ppm [6]. The present template
nest using plastic material will give the negative effects on
human health. Plastic materials will effect in inhibition of
growth, immobility or death, carcinogenicity, reproductive
toxicity and mutagenicity as stated by Lithner [7].
According to Shirish et- al, the combination of slightly
rough surface, inwardly inclined wall, with support seem to
contribute the most to the nest success [8].
Figure 3. Limesone concave supporter
An analysis made by Virunpintu et- al stated nest sites
characterized as smooth and concave with supporter were
found in all nest patches. Supporters, protruding U- shaped
rocks, were found in all patches and were used entirely by
birds, suggesting that supporters lay an important role in the
nest survival and the breeding success as shows in Figure 3
[2].
S. Salehi et- al stated that the stoneware body strength is
oneof the factorsthat most favourable for the ceramist in
their artwork pieces. Silica is the one of the ceramic body
components which is the main role is to give the structure or
“form” to the body in term of strength [9]. Through similar
research has been done by R. Anwar et- al, it can be seen
that the ceramic materials has been used to replace the other
materials toincrease the structure of the material
composition [10].
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The main objective of this research is to determine the
best composition of stoneware body which will be used to
produce Walet template nest. From the template, the adaptive
level of Walet against ceramic template nest will be verified
and it is hoped that the template will reduce the nitrate
content to below 30 ppm thus improve the nest quality based
on the nature material. The nest-site selection in Aerodramus
fuciphagus and basic information on the characteristis of the
cave wall where their nests are located does not exist. The
infromation is important for the conservation and
development of the artificial nest site in cultivated houses.
The supporters and U shaped rocks play an important role in
nest survival [2].
II. SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF STUDY
In order to prove the objectives ofthis study, the
investigations are limitedtoonly one species of Swiftlet
which is Aerodramusfuciphagus.The nest prototype will be
test on a pilotSwiftlethouse that is located in Klang,
Malaysia. This investigation will be focusing on local
materials that are mainly a composition of stoneware body
consubstantial with limestone. Themethods of prototype
fabricating are press mouldand slip casting techniques which
then strengthen through single firing process.
III. RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODOLOGY
Data collection on research begins as per nesting shelf
project built then evolved into different approach. The nests
will be made by ceramic materials which molded over as per
wire form for an easy installation on the wall. Thus the
prototype will not only act as an artificial nest
neverthelessencourages swallows to build their own nest
nearby, sort of acting as a decoy.A plastic tarp will be
stapled under joists, covering both the old nests and the joists
upon which the nests were built, effectively making a new
lower ceiling.
A comparison data are then recorded between the original
nest, artificial conventional nest and specimen prototype in
order to recapture 3 main components to be studied and
experimented. A portion of the swiftlet colony room will
modified for the shelf and nest test. Simulated walls will
then be constructedout of few sections to provide a slick
surface similar to modern plastic siding. The partitions are
then extended down from the ceiling. The other side of the
colony room will be left unchanged; making it available to
both previous built natural nests and plenty of unused space
on the hand hewn beams for building innovative
nests.Figure 4 shows the theoretical framework of the study.

Figure 4. Theoretical framework of the study
IV. SIGNIFICANT OF RESEARCH
This study will be a significant endeavor on increasing
the commercial value of Walet nest in term of its quality and
quantity. The physical reaction and character of ceramic
stoneware body allow the bird nest develop naturally, and
totally depend on the density and porosity of the body. The
use of artificial nests to attract Walet to a new site depends
on their acceptance of these nests. To test the adaptive level
of artificial nests by Walets, the nests were offered to a
colony of Walet, which also had access to old nests and
plenty of unused space to build new nests.
SUMMARY
Through similar research which has been done, it can
be seenthat the ceramic materials has been used to replace
the other materials to increase the structure of the material
composition. The main objective of this is to determine the
best composition of stoneware body and the adaptive level
of Walet against ceramic template nestwill be verified. The
supporters and U shaped rocks play an important role in nest
survival.It is hoped that the template will reduce the nitrate
content to below 30 ppm thus improve the nest quality
based on the natural material.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Authors would like to acknowledge the research funding
from Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) under for the
ERGS project and UiTM for the facilities.
REFERENCES
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