Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Dr. Brian Haggard

Committee Member

Dr. Eric McLamore

Second Committee Member

Dr. Isabel Whitehead-Adams

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the engineering perspective within the overall project of using meat rabbits to enhance food security and nutrition within Stann Creek, Belize. From the engineering perspective, the overarching goals were like the overarching project goals including the construction and materials required guide within the manual, designing potential upgrades to the design including a solar and battery system and an automatic watering system, and to design the system to be “practically sustainable” where possible. The constraints for this project included cost, the size of land dedicated for the rabbitry, and the operational and environmental conditions.

The final system design included a 10’ x 30’ rabbitry with the capacity for three breeding trios and associated litters, a 5’ x 8’ attached storage structure, an automated watering system design, and a solar and battery design capable for running the two fans autonomously for 36 hours over three days; this final design met all of the constraints and is capable of providing an estimated 264 pounds of meat annually to supplement protein intake in the school community. The final automated watering design cost an estimated $220 or approximately the same price as purchasing individual water bottles for the cages. The overall rabbitry, storage structure, and automated watering system have an estimated 10-year cost of $20,646 with an annual ROI of approximately 18% and a payback period of 5.6 years. The solar system has a total 10-year cost of $2,520 with an annual ROI of 7.6% and a payback period of 13.1 years. While the solar system might not be economically feasible, the overall rabbitry is while also meeting all other constraints. Overall, this design meets the main goals of providing a supplemental source of protein for the school community to enhance food security and nutrition.

Keywords

food security; Belize; meat rabbits; engineering; sustainability; circular bioeconomy

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