The Value of a Desiccant in the Cleaning and Disinfection of Swine Housing

May 28, 2008 — 

This study looked at the use of a commercial desiccant to determine if its use can aid in the cleaning and disinfection of commercial pig production surfaces. The product was applied after routine cleaning and cleanliness was determined by swabbing the surface and counting the number of bacterial colonies.

There were two trials performed, one where the desiccant was compared to the use of commercial disinfectants in a finishing barn. The second study looked at its use in a commercial farrowing room.

Whether it is through increased drying efficiency, or some other antibacterial effect, the use of a desiccant did reduce total bacterial load in finishing pens more effectively than common disinfectants.

The application of Drystart^TM on top of conventionally washed and disinfected farrowing crate floors, on average, cut the bacterial load significantly. Treated pens had 3 times fewer bacteria than untreated pens.

The severity of many diseases is dependent on the initial dose animals are exposed to; it would be logical to expect that Drystart^TM treated pens would have a lower incidence of disease.

Source:
Atlantic Swine Research Partnership