"With clean water, the cows' own resistance is at peak levels."

In the vast meadows of Krummhörn, Germany, some Dutch farmers have also found their niche. This includes brothers Martin and Ronald Uildriks, who together run a dairy farm with about 250 cows. Two knows more than one, which is why they ended up at Watter years ago in their search for improvement.

"We're pretty critical of barn design and rations," Martin says, "Many dairy farmers in this region stick to what they've always done, but we look at it with the fresh eyes of an outsider." They have also dared to innovate, Ronald adds: "Of course, things don't always go smoothly here either. In the early years we ran into quite a few udder health problems. After adjusting the box litter, however, we remained dissatisfied. Dutch colleagues then pointed us to the possible improvement of the water."

Leidingwater geen garantie van kwaliteit in de drinkbak

The dairy farmer is referring to biofilm in the drinking water system that is there even with tap water. Recognizable as slime in the drinking troughs, but it is actually present in the pipes themselves. "Therefore, wiping and flushing the troughs clean makes no sense.

This is because the trough immediately fills up with contaminated water again," Ronald explains. "This causes a cow to unnecessarily ingest germs each time, which puts pressure on her natural resistance, resulting in udder infections."

That's why the brothers searched for and found a solution six years ago: "We started with the Watter System to keep the drinking water and pipes germ-free. This device makes an agent from water and salt that is automatically added to the water and eliminates bacteria. As a result, they disappear from the water and no biofilm grows."

Evident result clean water

The results on the farm are a world of difference. "First, the water is crisp clear and the water samples are always good. Second, an immediate decrease in mastitis and acute coli cases. And third, overall udder health is a lot better. Our somatic cell count does not exceed 150, while the average here is around 220. In fact, we no longer use udder spray or nadip because the cows' own resistance is at top level."

The gentlemen therefore feel that the Watter System can be useful with any dairy farmer. "The water is often overlooked even though you walk past the tanks every day. Take a water sample, then you can experience the results for yourself."