In the swine industry, it is widely known that phosphorus is an essential nutrient for the health and performance of pigs. However, it is also well understood that the manure and wastewater generated and handled by these production units contribute to the input of phosphorus and nitrogen in the environment through land application. Further, swine producers and veterinarians understand the need to effectively manage the storage, handling, and application of this manure and wastewater to prevent disease transmission, avoid nutrient pollution, and promote good environmental stewardship. This is accomplished through the implementation of management practices to include reducing the levels of phosphorus in the manure and wastewater and appropriately applying these nutrients to the surrounding land which allows effective plant utilization and prevents the risk of runoff. A failure to maintain the necessary balance of the nutrient flow of phosphorus and nitrogen within the environment can result in significant detrimental effects on the entire ecosystem. Biosecurity is an area of emphasis on all production units throughout the industry in which strategic selection of the products utilized can serve as a valuable approach to reducing the level of phosphorus in the generated waste from the facility.
The overapplication of phosphorus and nitrogen to the surrounding land leads to an imbalance in the soil which greatly increases the risk of nutrient runoff. The runoff of phosphorus that enters streams, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water is responsible for a variety of problems. This excessive level of phosphorus that ends up in our environmental water sources contributes to harmful algal blooms that produce toxins and reduce aquatic oxygen levels. The presence of toxins and deprivation of oxygen results in the inability of these water sources to sustain and support the necessary life forms for a stable ecosystem. This disruption in the ecosystem has far reaching effects on water quality for people in these affected areas. The impact on water quality results in a concern for the health and safety of these sources for human consumption and recreation. In the event these situations develop, the solutions to correct the problem and stabilize the environment can be very expensive. Therefore, methods for prevention are the better strategic approach for the swine industry.
One fundamental approach to prevention is reducing the levels of phosphorus in the generated waste products that reach the environment. Two important areas in which an impact can be made are specific diet formulation and strategic selection of biosecurity products. More specifically, the selection of the appropriate detergent for cleaning purposes utilized in the facility’s biosecurity protocols can prove to be very valuable at achieving phosphorus reduction. With biosecurity being at the forefront of a successful operation, phosphate-free, biodegradable detergents are a very effective means at establishing a clean surface in preparation for disinfection while at the same time utilizing a product that is environmentally friendly. The removal of all organic and inorganic material prior to disinfection remains a vital step in eliminating infectious disease. Therefore, phosphate-free, biodegradable, agricultural cleaners provide producers and veterinarians with a valuable solution to their biosecurity needs while being proactive in protecting the environment.
The implementation of highly effective, phosphate-free, biodegradable cleaners within a facility’s comprehensive biosecurity program still requires the selection of the appropriate chemistry to achieve the best results. A phosphate-free, acidic, foaming cleaner is effective for alternating pH programs in swine barns, on equipment, and for transport vehicles to remove mineral scale, detergent residues, and other elements that remain after repeated use of alkaline cleaners. Implementing a rotation between an alkaline cleaner and an acidic cleaner will assist in maximizing surface cleanliness for best results with disinfection. A phosphate-free, foaming, alkaline cleaner is effective for the removal of fats, proteins, grease, feces, and other biological material in swine barns, on equipment, and for transport vehicles. Phosphate-free, foaming, alkaline cleaners are available in both chlorinated and non-chlorinated formulations.
As the swine industry strives to optimize productivity and profitability, it is faced with important decisions regarding pig health and performance, biosecurity practices, and the environment. Therefore, it is quite evident the impact that the implementation of phosphate-free, biodegradable cleaners can have in serving as a component in protecting pigs from infectious disease and contributing to the sustainability of the environment.
