Clogging of the drinking points on your farm can have a negative impact on the pigs and poultry. Water is an important element for growing healthy pigs and birds. For pigs, the water accounts for as much as 80% of body weight at birth and declines to approximately 50% in a finished market pig. While a chicken is 70% water and a single day without it will cause a hen to stop laying eggs. 

Traditional water drinking bowls can get easily contaminated by microorganisms and become a breeding ground for diseases. Nipple drinkers work on a demand-based mechanism, releasing water only when birds or pigs peck at the nipple. This results in less water wastage, making it an eco-friendly choice for poultry and pig farmers. The downside is that the nipple drinkers tend to get clogged by biofilm, poor water quality, sediments or feed debris from pig and poultry. As a result, the animals may not receive the necessary water for their optimal health and functioning.

What causes biofilm?

Biofilm forms almost in any places that are wet for long periods of time (water storage, flow through, water pipes). This slimy layer contains microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or yeast that your animals might ingest while drinking. Biofilm can also cause clogging of smaller pipes or nipple drinkers. It is difficult to control and resistant to many cleaning agents.

HOCl is the solution 

Strong acids or chemicals are usually used by many farmers to fight biofilm even though they present risks such as toxicity and flammability. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is produced in the human body to fight infections by acting against a wide range of microorganisms. This active substance eradicates bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeast while not being cytotoxic to human and animal cells, when applied correctly. Consequently, the HOCl solution can keep the biofilm under control in the pipes or nipple drinkers without posing any danger for animals or farmers.

Continuous Disinfection with Watter Disinfection Solution

The Watter system uses the process of electrolysis to create a disinfecting solution with HOCl as the main active substance. The system is connected to the drinking water supply and HOCl disinfection solution is made on-site. Small doses of the WDS, Watter Disinfection Solution, are continuously pumped into the water, keeping it germ free. As the biofilm is no longer able to form, the nipple drinkers will stay unclogged and provide clean and safe drinking water for your pigs and poultry.