Performance evaluation of a locally-developed mini-corn (Zea Mays L.) milling machine

Abstract

Backyard farmers struggle with rising feed costs, limiting local feed production. As a result, they rely more on imported feeds, as commercial corn milling machines are expensive and suited for large-scale operations. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a locally developed mini corn milling machine for backyard livestock and poultry farmers. Specifically, it determines its input capacity, output capacity, main product recovery, particle size, and noise level. It also assessed the machine's economic performance. The technical performance was tested using two corn varieties: yellow and white. Statistically, corn variety does not significantly affect the performance in terms of input capacity, output capacity, and product recovery. However, it affects the machine's performance in terms of milled corn particle size. The corn mill has an input capacity of 27.55 kg/hr and an output capacity of 27.03 kg/hr. The product recovery was 98.85%, and the noise emitted during the operation was 102.80 dB. The particle size of the milled corn constitutes 78.2% of ≥ 2mm, 10.9% of 2mm < P ≥ 1mm, 9% of 1mm < P ≥ 0.45mm, and 9% of <0.45mm. The machine had an operating unit cost of $2.98 per hour and a total annual cost of $46.05. The machine must mill at least 221.16 kg per year to break even all costs with a payback period of 3.7 years and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.5. This means that for every dollar spent on the machine, there is a $1.5 return. Based on the results, the machine is functional and highly recommended.