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system, says Van Genabet-Harteel, is that the removal of bio- film means that additives and medication going through the water line will not be wasted due to clogging. “The biofilm is a sticky layer where everything collects and is stuck to, and that’s what we take out,” she says. Another non-chemical solution was presented during the Eu- ropean Layer Training Initiative (ELTI), held in Bern, Switzer- land in 2019. Led by Swiss poultry welfare researcher Dr Mi- chael Toscano, a group of 10 farmers and poultry experts from North America took part in an intensive two-week study programme to help with the transition from caged to cage- free hen housing. The importance of quality water was em- phasised in a talk given by Markus Schwery, international sales manager at Aqua-4D Water Solutions. Aqua-4D uses low-frequency electromagnetic pulses to treat water. The vibrations reduce the adhesion forces between or- ganic matter and pipe surfaces, inhibiting the development of biofilm. Researchers in Lithuania and France studied the effi- cacy of Aqua-4D. Lithuanian trials found that water treated with electromagnetic vibrations improved overall flock per- formance and health, demonstrated by several indicators. The measured mass of chickens in the control group, for example, was larger by 17.6%. As a result of enhanced feed conversion, the amount of water consumed in the trial group was up by 5.28%. At the end of the trial, litter moisture of the trial group was 25.3% lower, and relative humidity in the air of the barn was 8.0% lower. Finally, the trial group showed lower mortali- ty by 2.61%. In terms of bacterial load, Schwery said Aqua-4D eliminates biofilm within 4-6 weeks of installation. Six months from installation, the Swiss technology also eliminates lime, manganese and iron deposits.


Tool aids biofilm research Research conducted at the Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO-KUL) in Belgium has revealed that it is possible to suppress undesirable bacteria in biofilms by placing harmless biofilm formers next to them. Sharon Maes conducted the research as part of her doctorate thesis. She successfully developed a chemical-microbial sampling meth- od to check for cleanliness. The chemical side detects the possible matrix components, while the microbial analysis shows which species or bacteria are present in the biofilm. During the course of her research Maes discovered there are a number of common biofilm formers but that the composition of biofilms is often specific to a company or farm. She also tested to see if pathogens could be combatted using harm- less biofilm formers. Her hypothesis was tested in the drink- ing systems of broiler farms and in food companies. In the broiler drinking water systems indications of the presence of biofilms were found in 63% of the sampled surfaces. The most commonly identified species were: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas geniculate and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Maes investigated the interaction between


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Salmonella Java and the harmless biofilm producer Pseu- domonas putida, a species that is part of the natural microbio- ta in drinking water systems. To do this she developed a new model that imitates biofilm formation on the inside of the drinking water system. The results of the study showed that Salmonella Java is a strong biofilm generator. Interestingly enough, when in the presence of Pseudomonas putida, biofilm formation was sup- pressed. This suppression was attributed to the competition between the two bacteria. Maes therefore concluded that Pseudomonas putida does indeed have potential as a biofilm suppressor and should be further investigated, as it may be possible in the future to monitor contaminations of broilers with Salmonella or Campylobacter, for example. Maes has since moved on to conduct other research at MID Sweden University.


Water management tips Water quality in poultry barns can only be ensured when pro- ducers are vigilant, says Fairchild, who closed the interview by offering four tips for success. First, he says, producers should conduct water tests. Mineral tests should be done once a year. Bacterial tests only need to be done when some- thing has changed, he adds, pointing to heavy weather events that impact the water table. After such an event, water should be sampled and tested within a couple of weeks. Fairchild reminds producers to change filters regularly and to flush water lines frequently. Finally, he says, producers should plan ahead before treating water to ensure that the contami- nants in the water will not react negatively and cause the water system to become clogged.


Water quality in poultry barns can only be en- sured when pro- ducers are vigi- lant and check quality as often as possible.


PHOTO: KOOS GROENEWOLD


PHOTO: HENK RISWICK


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