How to maintain hygiene in pig liquid feed systems

“Liquid feeding systems are popular among Irish pig producers, with an estimated 70 per cent of pigs liquid-fed due to the availability of nutrient-rich co-products from the food and beverage industry^*. They allow for controlled feeding of pigs, using a mix of water and feed ingredients,” explains Hannah. “Proper hygiene in these systems is important to prevent the growth of harmful biofilms which can have a knock-on effect on pig health and performance.”
Understanding the difference between a hygienic liquid feed system and an unhygienic system is vital. She explains: “A hygienic system is one that has a dominant Lactobacillus bacteria population, characterised by a white pleasant-smelling biofilm on the inside walls of tanks and pipes,” she says.
“If the inside of your liquid feed system is brown or dark in colour and gives off an unpleasant odour, then it’s likely your feed system is unhygienic, and the presence of negative biofilms is leading to sub-optimal pig performance.”

Restoring hygiene

If you think you have an unhygienic liquid feed system, there are several steps that you can take to reset your system’s hygiene, Hannah explains. “First, give your system a thorough clean by draining it and scrubbing all parts that can be scrubbed, especially areas where feed residue can accumulate. A high-pressure wash, ideally with hot water, should be followed by descaling and disinfection using an acid product and then an alkaline product.
“The system should be then fully rinsed out, which is also a good opportunity to inspect feed equipment for signs of wear and tear. Damaged or obstructed sections can become areas where feed accumulates, making it a hotbed for negative microbial growth,” she says.
Making sure what you put into the system is of the right quality is also a key consideration when addressing any sanitary issues. Contaminated water and feed ingredients that have been incorrectly stored can introduce negative microbes and lead to pathogen growth.

Hygiene and additives 

In addition to a thorough clean of the liquid feeding system, introducing the unique lactic acid bacteria, Pediococcus acidilactici CNCM I-4622 (Bactocell) is proven to help maintain good hygiene.
Mark McFarland, feed additive product manager at Lallemand, says Bactocell has become the first microbial to receive an authorisation in the EU related to the hygiene of liquid feed.

“The authorisation is for use in all animal species (Regulation (EU) 2023/53)2, as a technological feed additive in the functional group of acidity regulators and hygiene condition enhancers,” explains Mark. Bactocell is recognised by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for its safety and potential to reduce pH and limit growth of coliform bacteria in liquid feeds. By converting non-digestible carbohydrates into L+ lactic acid, it promotes a healthier bacterial balance, helping maintain the nutritional quality of liquid feed and reducing the colonisation of harmful bacteria contributing to negative biofilm formation.

“By maintaining a clean and efficient liquid feeding system, pig producers can preserve the nutritional quality of feed and help ensure the health and productivity of their pigs. Regular checks and a proactive approach to hygiene using proven feed additives can prevent problems before they start,” says Mark.