Schema biofilm
Water treatment solutions

Eliminating biofilm: what are the best solutions?

It’s a mistake to assume that water quality remains consistent from its entry point into the farm to its final distribution.

Whether your water comes from a municipal supply or a borehole, and regardless of whether it’s treated or not, there’s no guarantee your animals are drinking clean water. Microorganisms that form biofilms on the walls of your pipelines can lead to serious issues for your livestock.

Ensure your animals have access to clean, safe, and sufficient drinking water.

What is biofilm?

Biofilm is a hard or slimy layer formed by microorganisms that accumulate on the inner walls of water pipelines. Composed of mineral deposits (e.g., iron, calcium, manganese) and microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, fungi, viruses), biofilm contaminates water and acts as a vector for disease. When disrupted, it can release large amounts of pathogens, posing significant health risks to your animals.
Biofilm in water pipeline at livestock farm before cleaning with Di-O-Clean

Common areas prone to biofilm development:

Stagnant or low-flow sections of pipelines, junctions, bends, or fittings in the system and areas with mineral or organic deposits

Risks associated with biofilm

Compromised animal health
Biofilm promotes the spread of pathogens, increasing the risk of disease and health issues within your herd.
Reduced effectiveness of treatments
Vaccines, medications, and nutritional supplements lose efficacy, jeopardizing your animals’ health and performance.
Degraded water quality and consumption
Biofilm affects water taste, odor, and quality, leading to reduced water intake by animals.

How to effectively clean water pipelines

There are two key methods to ensure clean pipelines in livestock operations:

#1 Flash cleaning

This involves introducing a high concentration of disinfectant into the pipelines for a short period. These concentrations exceed safety thresholds for animals and are applied in their absence—typically between production cycles—to eliminate biofilm and pathogens rapidly.


Ideal for intensive cleaning

in cases of significant contamination

Can be applied between rounds

requires the absence of animals

Livestock farmers recommend:

MS Oxy-Clean Plus, a powerful hydrogen peroxide-based solution that effectively removes organic and inorganic deposits, ensuring clean and functional water systems. MS Oxy-Clean Plus is certified for use in organic farming according to EU Regulations (EC) No 834/2007 and (EC) No 889/2008.

#2 Continuous cleaning

This method involves continuously adding low doses of disinfectant to the water supply. It prevents biofilm formation and limits pathogen proliferation while remaining safe for animals.

After administering nutritional or medicinal supplements in the water, a temporarily increased dosage can boost cleaning efficiency.


Keeps pipes clean at all times

ensures continuous cleanliness without interruption

Animal-friendly

can be used safely with animals

Livestock farmers recommend:

Di-O-Clean is applicable for drinking water treatment and cleaning and disinfection of drinking water systems in professional livestock farming. Di-O-Clean has been developed for use in professional pig, cattle and poultry farming. The large oxidative capacity of Di-O-Clean will help to clean the entire water supply system.

Frequently asked questions about biofilm

Contact MS Schippers
Call for personal advice +31-(0)497-339774 or send an email to export@msschippers.com

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