Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
As cows spend more time indoors, autumn is a natural time to review the routines for maintaining good hygiene. From keeping cubicles dry to cleaning milking systems and disinfection, different tasks require different products. So the key question for the coming months is: is the stable ready for winter?
Good hygiene starts in the areas where the cows spend their time every day. Damp areas provide favourable conditions for bacteria and fungi, so it is important to keep cubicles and calving pens as dry and clean as possible.
Keep moisture levels down in the cubicles
Staldren® is a dry hygiene powder that absorbs moisture, binds ammonia and reduces levels of bacteria and fungal spores in the livestock housing environment. At the same time, the product is pH-neutral and phosphate-free, making it gentle on both animals and housing equipment.
For cattle, Staldren® can be used in areas including cubicles, deep-litter housing, calving pens and calf pens. In cubicles, particular attention should be paid to areas where moisture tends to accumulate.
For organic herds, Staldren® Green is available and can be used in organic livestock production.
Cleaning before disinfection
Dry hygiene is one part of the process. Another is the thorough cleaning of equipment such as milking systems. Alka-Liq is a strong alkaline cleaning agent containing chlorine, with properties that help remove dirt and deposits. It is intended, among other applications, for hot cleaning of pipeline milking systems and bulk milk cooling tanks.
Thorough cleaning is also important before disinfection. If dirt and organic matter are not removed first, they can reduce the effectiveness of the disinfection process.
When disinfection is required
Oxi-Liq is an acidic, oxidising disinfectant for applications including surfaces, equipment and water systems. It is also effective at low temperatures, which can be an advantage during the winter months.
Halamid® can be used for a wide range of disinfection applications in cattle farming – including livestock housing, equipment, boot baths and milking equipment.
Good hygiene requires several steps
Good livestock housing hygiene is about combining ongoing dry hygiene with thorough cleaning and disinfection. This makes it possible to maintain good hygiene throughout the entire environment – from cubicles to livestock housing and equipment.
Read more about Jorenku’s products for stable hygiene, cleaning and disinfection in cattle farming.