LIGHT UNIFORMITY IMPROVEMENT INSIDE THE SPROUTING ENVIRONMENT AND PRODUCT EVALUATION

Abstract

Applying the condensed production technique in the spouting systems for recovering invested capital decreases light uniformity which minimizes quantity and quality of the product. The main objective of this research is to find suitable alternatives for improving light uniformity inside sprouting environment. Statistical approach was followed to design and analyze three types of practical trials. The first was applied to study light uniformity through variance analysis and drawing light contouring maps. The second was applied to design factorial trial containing twelve treatments. Four alternatives of production techniques: “condensed productions, condensed heart, open heart and amplified heart” on the horizontal levels. Three levels of light intensity: “low (1800lm/m2), medium (3600lm/m2), and high (5400lm/m2)” were tried on the vertical levels. The third was applied to study effects of using green fodder for feeding lactating Buffaloes on milk production. Geometric approach was applied to execute two types of technical tasks. The first was done to design and implement the four alternatives. The second was done to design and install automatic system control using PLC component for regulating light intensity and managing light duration inside sprouting environment. Physical and chemical measurements such as light intensity, fresh weight, dry weight, and percentage of crude protein, and crude fibers were done. The statistical analysis results revealed that applying the condensed heart technique under medium intensity of light (3600lm/m2) through 12/h.day (in exception of the first three days) saves one third of the used grains and upgrading the quality and quantity of the product. Using the sprouted fodder in lactating buffaloes’ rations led to significant increase in quantity and quality of milk.