Authors

Abstract

In the intelligent transformation of global animal husbandry, precise calf feeding faces challenges like arching and flow fluctuations during milk replacer delivery, leading to inaccurate feeding, diarrhea and higher costs. This study aims to enhance the precision and stability of milk replacer delivery via structural innovation. Through shear tests, the internal friction angle of milk replacer was measured at 23.76° and the external friction angle at 23.97°. Combined with discrete element simulation and orthogonal experiments, the scraper conveyor device was optimized. A particle model of milk replacer was established using the discrete element method to analyze the effects of blade curvature, number of blades and guide plate tangent angle on conveying performance. Optimal parameters were determined through orthogonal experiments. Results showed that the guide plate tangent angle most significantly affected conveying rate, with peak efficiency at 45°. The number of blades was the main factor for operational stability, with 8 blades reducing delivery fluctuations. The optimal combination was found to be curved blades, 8 blades and a 45° guide plate tangent angle. Validation tests showed a stable conveying rate of 7.50 - 8.48 g/s, a standard deviation below 0.43 g, and operational stability of 71.80% - 75.96%, effectively solving arching and flow fluctuation issues. This study offers theoretical support for developing precise powder delivery equipment and core technological support for domestic smart feeding equipment. It directly helps reduce calf morbidity and improve ranch economic efficiency.

Abstract in Chinese

面对全球畜牧业智能化转型中犊牛精准饲喂的技术瓶颈，针对代乳粉输送过程因结拱、流量波动导致的饲喂精度不足、犊牛腹泻率上升及养殖成本增加等突出问题，本研究旨在通过结构创新提升犊牛饲喂过程中代乳粉料输送精确性和稳定性。通过直剪试验测定代乳粉内摩擦角为23.76°、外摩擦角为23.97°的实测数据，结合离散元仿真与正交试验，系统优化刮板式输送装置。采用离散元法建立代乳粉颗粒模型，系统分析叶片曲率变化、叶片数量及导流板切向角对输送性能的影响规律，并通过正交试验确定最优参数组合。结果表明：导流板切向角对输送速率影响最为显著，切向角为45°时效率最高；叶片数量是运行稳定性的主控因素，8片叶片工况下有利于降低粉料输送的波动率。最终确定圆弧叶片、8叶片、45°导流板切向角为最优组合，试验验证显示输送平均速率稳定于7.50-8.48g/s，标准偏差小于0.43g，运行稳定性达71.80%-75.96%，有效解决了结拱与流量波动问题。本研究为高黏性粉料精准输送装备开发提供了理论依据。为智能饲喂装备国产化提供核心技术支持，对降低犊牛发病率、提升牧场经济效益具有直接应用价值。