Agriculture students at the Issam Fares Faculty of Technology at the University of Balamand have developed an innovative final-year project that introduces a new approach to modern intensive broiler production systems. The project, titled “Fully Smart Poultry Nursery” was created by students Moussa Moussi and Mohamad Chehadeh. It is an advanced prototype designed to monitor and control all environmental conditions for broiler chicks from one to thirty days of age.

The system automatically regulates temperature, humidity, lighting, water supply, feed distribution, and can be managed remotely through Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and smart devices.

The prototype was tested continuously over a 30-day period. Results demonstrated significant improvements in poultry health and performance, including a 14% increase in weight gain and a reduction in respiratory and foot-related diseases, particularly footpad dermatitis. These findings highlight the system’s potential to enhance both productivity and animal welfare in poultry production.

The project was supervised by Dr. Ibrahim Chanbour, Coordinator of the Smart Agriculture Program in the Department of Agriculture at the Issam Fares Faculty of Technology. Under his guidance, the students demonstrated strong technical expertise and problem-solving skills in addressing key challenges within the broiler production sector. This achievement also reflects the ongoing collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Mechatronics at the Issam Fares Faculty of Technology, directed by Dr. Racha El Berbari.

Dean of the Issam Fares Faculty of Technology, Dr Elie Karam, commented: “This project reflects the University’s commitment to innovation, applied research, and the integration of technology in support of sustainable agricultural development. It also demonstrates the ability of our students to develop practical solutions that address real challenges facing the agricultural sector while contributing to improved productivity, efficiency, and animal welfare.”

Dr. Rodrigue Balaa, Director of the Agricultural Value Chain Development Center and Chairperson of the department of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of technological transformation in agriculture, stating: “Precision farming is no longer the future but the present of agriculture, and I am glad to say that our graduates are well prepared to be the pioneers in bringing national agriculture to the next level.”

The project highlights the University’s commitment to innovation, applied research, and the integration of technology in support of sustainable agricultural development.





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