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Quality of the water system

In order to make sure enough drinking water is supplied to the animals and medication is administered correctly, the drinking water system must be well-designed and installed properly.

Pipes transport the drinking water from its source to the stable. The source may be a well or a commercial supplier. A control unit is usually placed at a central point in the building and consists of the water supply pipe, a water filter, a bypass, a pressure regulator and a water meter. All the necessary control equipment is installed here as well as any medication equipment. Make sure that it is easily accessible. All operations required to prepare solutions and switch from regular to medicated drinking water for each individual animal compartment are managed from the control unit.

The water meter measures the amount of water consumed by the animals. A dosing device can be installed just behind the water meter. In case of an electronic dosing pump, the water meter is included in the pump. The actual drinking water system begins just behind the dosing device.

It is important that the system has a separate line for medicated water; this is called a double system. It should allow medication by individual compartment (not just for the whole barn) which can be done using handles for each compartment in both the water and mediation line.

PVC is the preferred material for the pipes, because it has a smooth surface and the material is resistant to chemical reactions with its environment (e.g., ammonia in the air, medication in the water).

To prevent biofilm formation the pipes should have a linear flow with sufficient speed. This is achieved by:

  • Installing pipes as straight as possible (don’t cut down on the number of clips).
  • Avoiding unnecessary bends (bends cause turbulence).
  • Using the appropriate diameter for the number of animals that drink from it. If pipes are too narrow, the supply might be insufficient for heavy animals or during warm weather. If the pipes are too wide, the flow might be too slow when young animals are drinking from it.

Turbulence can cause deposits and biofilm, which may drastically reduce the supply of water to the animals and affect the success of any water medication. 

Click on the image to download the checklist for drinking water systems.

Elements of a good drinking water system

Elements of a good drinking water system
  1. A water treatment installation (descaling or deferrisation) in case water from a bore hole is used.
  2. A tap to take samples of the incoming water (if from bore hole).
  3. Pressure regulators: High pressure can cause water to spill, low pressure may reduce water intake or water (with medication) could flow backwards.
  4. A calibrated dosing pump to add medication or other additives.
  5. A calibrated flow meter to record the actual water intake of the animals.
  6. A double system to avoid cross-contamination: One pipe is used for clean water only, the other one for medicated water only.
  7. Taps for each compartment to easily switch between clean and medicated water. Coloured handles indicate whether the pipe contains clean or medicated water.
  8. A container with a lid, big enough to store a solution for up to 24 hours.
  9. A flushing tap for flushing the lines, if needed.
  10. In each animal compartment, water should only flow in one direction. Pipes with minimal bends and a flushing tap at the end.
  11. Flexible hoses to the nipples should not have loops to avoid accumulation of sediment. It is possible to attach the hoses on top of the pipe so sediment in the pipe is not able to get into the hose.

 

Common mistakes in a drinking water system:

Common mistakes in a drinking water system
  1. No water treatment equipment installed (in case of bore hole water).
  2. The temperature of the incoming water is too high.
  3. Use of water medication products that contain lactose.
  4. Open header tanks inside animal compartments.
  5. Ridges can cause turbulence and therefore biofilm will build up.
  6. Excessive bends in the pipes can cause turbulence and accumulation of biofilm.
  7. Couplings with too much glue can cause turbulence and accumulation of biofilm.
  8. Piping material (iron) may have a rough inner surface, which amplifies biofilm formation.
  9. Dead-end pipes: biofilm will accumulate.
  10. Circular pipes: biofilm will accumulate because the flow of water is not transporting it to the end.
  11. Sagging pipes: biofilm will accumulate.
  12. Varations in pipe diameter can cause turbulence and biofilm will accumulate.
  13. Flexible hoses with loops to the nipples.

 

 

When installing or renovating a drinking water system, we strongly recommend to engage a company that has relevant expertise in animal drinking water systems.

For more details on the different elements of a successful drinking water system, please read our Practical Guide for drinking water medication.

Click on the image to download a preview or contact your local Dechra representative to order a full copy.

 

 

 

Drinking water system maintenance

It is very important that you regularly maintain the drinking water system to keep it functioning properly. One of the major points here is cleaning and disinfection.

Immediately after each drinking water medication, routine cleaning and disinfection is required using a low concentration during 48 hours. Additionally in all in all out facilities you should use a high dosage during 12 hours each time the pens or stables are empty.

Permanent housing systems will always have animals. In this case you should use a low dosage for a longer period (5 days) every 3 months.

 

What agents to use

General guideline:

  • For Ca or Fe deposits, apply organic acids
  • For Mn or organic deposits, apply hydrogen peroxide

Chlorine is best used after hydrogen peroxide

Always consult the product supplier for optimal use and correct dosage!

 

 

In general, it is very important to clean and disinfect drinking water systems regularly, preferably every time the stable is empty. This will prevent potential problems such as clogged pipes and drinking nipples.

In addition, water systems should be cleaned and/or flushed before and after the use of medication. This will ensure that the pipes are clean when a new round of medication is administered and that no residue is left behind that could turn into biofilm over time.

Several specialised products are available for proper cleaning and disinfection of pipes. A survey on drinking water and drinking water medication use reveals that livestock breeders clean the pipes with chlorine, organic acids, peracetic acid and/or cleaning agents based on hydrogen peroxide.

 

If you have any questions please go to the support page to get in touch.

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