Menu

Sanitizing Calving Operations Part 2

Sanitizing Calving Operations Part 2

To prepare the product, we need to consider where the product will be applied and the degree of contamination present. Normally, strict control begins in the calving/maternity area including supporting equipment and chutes, initial calf holding areas and the calf transport utilities which includes, but not limited to wheeled carts, trailers and hand carts.
The next link is the calf barn and the final destination where the calf will be housed and fed. This includes either individual units or group housing units based on age.
The final link in the chain is all supporting material related to housing and feeding the calves. This includes the calf feed bottles and nipples, pails, any tubing or hoses and pasteurizer if used.
To create the cleanliness foundation needed prior to sanitation, clean the respective area with a chlorinated alkaline cleaner to remove as much of the organic material as possible. Our product Parlor Shine™ does an excellent job removing this material. If there is mineral build up on the walls and gates, Parlor Brite™ should be used to further breakdown the barrier. Both of these high foaming products are recommended when cleaning the feeding equipment as well. We have instructional material which can be posted in the calf feeding preparation area to customize these procedures to each of your individual operations. Once this cleaning is done, it is now time to sanitize with Chlorine Dioxide as the final step.
The cleaning solutions and Chlorine Dioxide can best be applied to the respective areas with portable foamers. We carry a very reliable portable foamer product line consisting of varying capacity sizes which can be tailored to the size of your operation. The sizes range from a 2.5 gallon pump up foamer to 5, 20- and 30-gallon air driven units. The solutions can be prepared and applied systematically to assure coverage.
To prepare a Chlorine Dioxide solution, always assure that you’re in a well-ventilated area and that you are wearing personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and nitrile gloves. Determine what amount you will need to make for the application and add water to the container in the amount of approximately 80% of that final volume; next add the measured amount of Chlorine Dioxide to the water, then add the activator product, which is called Field-AF™, and bring the combined solution with water to the final volume. You now can close the container and apply. It takes several minutes following activation before the full potency of the product is achieved. Application levels for Chlorine Dioxide is recommended as follows:
• Maternity area and transport: 300 – 500 ppm
• Calf pens: 75 – 125 ppm
• Supporting material: 25 – 75 ppm
Ranges can be verified by using Chlorine Dioxide test strips.
In conclusion, we have procedures in place to assure proper preparation and application to achieve the desired potency levels listed above. We assist in setting up new dairy applicators as we realize there are variations in operations and the degree of control needed. We are here to provide service and support.
Below are examples of foam application equipment:

 

2.5 Gallon                           5 Gallon                           20 Gallon

                               

 

 

 

 

 

James Martin
Animal Health and Hygiene Specialist – ProActive Solutions USA
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslmartin/
James provides over 30 years of animal industry leadership experience in both artificial insemination of dairy and beef cattle and also dairy chemical and sanitation applications. Degree from the Pennsylvania State University in Animal Science.

 

For more info please click button below

LEAVE A Comment