Extra focus on hygiene, drying out and bedding

Published: 2023-01-23

Maintaining proper hygiene in pig production is crucial for several reasons, as it directly impacts the health, well-being, and productivity of the animals.

The objective of washing and disinfecting is to keep the level of infection low and to give the pigs the best possible welfare and growth conditions. Infection levels can be reduced in the herd by including hygiene in the daily routines, and systematic cleaning and disinfection of pens before penning/transfer of animals.

Planning is a part of the job!

It's a good idea to have a written plan with the procedures for cleaning and disinfection for the cleaning team. Each plan should be adapted to the existing farm conditions.

A plan can be subsequently adjusted to ensure the next cleaning and disinfection is even better. That will help ensure that optimum cleaning and disinfection are done in the best way possible. So remember to follow the plan and check the results.

Soap and disinfection

The bacteria form a biofilm on surfaces to protect themselves. The film consists of dirt from the pen environment and cannot be dissolved and removed by water alone. Soap does not kill bacteria, but does dissolve and remove the biofilm allowing disinfectant to do its job against bacteria, which means both products have to be used in a subsequent combination. The use of soap and disinfection can give a better health status and increase in production, but it requires the correct usage of these substances according to their direction of use. If the products are used incorrectly, disinfectant failure is often seen. We recommend expert guidance in the choice and use of soap and disinfectants to avoid it rapidly becoming an expensive experience.

Ganna
Nutritionist, Pigs
+ 45 2981 0171
gaki@vilomix.dk

Washing and cleaning

Soaking for 6-12 hours makes the job easier

Use the soap after an initial wash and leave it to soak for 15-30 min

Rinse soap off thoroughly before it dries. Leave no visible dirt behind

Empty all cribs and remove all the left feed from troughs and feeding system.

Disinfection and drying out

Apply a suitable disinfectant to damp
- but not wet - surfaces

Start drying out immediately after disinfection

Set room temp. to the target temperature

Get expert guidance

Seek expert guidance for choosing and using soap and disinfectants to prevent costly mistakes. You can find all the contact information on our website.

Drying out is probably the best way to kill bacteria! So use a heat blower to dry pens out completely. Getting the level of humidity down is at least as important as a high temperature.

Remember to wash and disinfect the water system between each new occupancy. Medicine in the water and high temperatures in the stables creates a good environment for the forming of a biofilm inside the water pipes, providing ideal conditions for bacteria.

Bedding in the corner holes with full floor gives to the pigs a dry, warm, and healthy environment. When choosing bedding, it must be too sharp or rough, which can accidentally scratch weaners allowing bacteria to get in, and may for example cause arthritis. A good tip is rubbing the back of your hand on the bedding to determine how scratchy it is.

Product for a dry disinfection

In Vilomix we recommend Agrosan^® Dry Out - a dry disinfection product invented in Denmark, tested by recognized international laboratories, and used worldwide due to its documented effect on the most common bacteria and fungi spores. The effect comes from the drying up of the habitat of these undesirable microorganisms.

Every Agrosan® Dry Out particle can absorb water and moisture from the surface. Agrosan® Dry Out can absorb and still maintain its initial function for more than 50 % of its weight.

The most effective way to use Agrosan® is to mix it with Vilostrø (heat-treated quality straw) using a ratio of 1:1 for excellent control of flora in the bottom of pens.

The Agrosan^® series

With the Agrosan® series you ensure effective moisture and bacteria control in animal barns.

Summary

Using dry bedding hygiene products such as Agrosan in pig production provides a multitude of benefits:

Helps to keep pigs' living areas dry and reduce bacteria and fungi contamination
Promote natural dust-bathing behavior and reduce stress level
Prevent diseases by minimizing the growth and spread of pathogens. As result - overall better performance and economy – due to the reduction of medicine usage and improved well-being

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Extra focus on hygiene, drying out and bedding

Planning is a part of the job!