Integrated harness and implement design - a key factor in developing improved equipment for animal draught tillage operations

Inns F.. 2003. Integrated harness and implement design - a key factor in developing improved equipment for animal draught tillage operations. In : Working animals in agriculture and transport : a collection of some current research and development observations. Pearson R. Anne (ed.), Lhoste Philippe (ed.), Saastamoinen Markku (ed.), Martin Rosset William (ed.). EAAP, University of Edinburgh, CIRAD, MTT Agrifood Research Finland, INRA. Wageningen : Wageningen Academic Publishers, 145-163. (EAAP technical series, 6) ISBN 90-76998-25-6 EAAP Annual Conference. 53, Caire, Égypte, 1 Septembre 2002/4 Septembre 2002.

Résumé : The design of improved tillage equipment for use by draught animals, particularly harnesses and implements, has been facilitated by recent investigations. Theoretical analysis confirmed by experimental work has shown that the draught of an animal-powered tillage implement can be reduced by using a lightweight implement and/or by pulling it at a steeper angle (a function of harness design and adjustment). Following from these findings an integrated harness/implement system was developed to take advantage of the draught reducing effects. Cooperative trials with farmers in Tanzania, using a harness and plough specifically designed for ploughing with a single donkey, showed it to be much easier to adjust and control, more efficient and more user-friendly for the draught animal and the operator compared with equipment in current use. The system has been introduced into Kenya and into Bolivia where a range of implements is now available, manufactured, sold and extensively used on a commercial, unsubsidised basis. The integrated harness/implement system is simple and easy to make with materials which are locally available in most countries, including less-industrialised ones. Equipment can be designed to match the pulling capacity of the full range of draught animals, from donkeys to oxen, buffaloes or camels, working singly or in teams. It is cheap and easy to use and should be particularly appropriate for resource-poor farmers who cannot afford tractor-powered operations but may have access to one or more work animals. A major benefit arises from improved energy efficiency, reducing the energy needed to undertake a given tillage task and hence reducing the feed necessary to keep the animal in good condition.

Auteurs et affiliations

• Inns F.

Source : Cirad - Agritrop (https://agritrop.cirad.fr/515996/)

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