Liquid feeding is not a new concept. Before advanced technology and feeding mechanisms, farmers used mixtures of feed and water and fed it to the pigs in buckets. Today, we have complexed systems with pipes and tanks to distribute the feed to the pigs in the correct amounts. With the addition of water and feed that are contaminated with a variety of bacteria, build-up in the feeding system occurs, better known as biofilm. Although not all bacteria are harmful, there are some that tend to cause enough problems to have a negative impact on pig productivity. The negative impact of a biofilm in liquid feeding systems are often underestimated when in fact they are made up of a large amount of chemical resistant bacteria with an efficient metabolism leading to faster regeneration. Biofilm is one of the main reasons for the formation of potentially toxic biogenic amines in liquid feed.

Biofilm life cycle

1. Adhesion of free bacteria to the biomaterial surface (reversible).
2. Aggregation of cells, formation of micro-colonies, excretion of polymeric substances for the matrix (attachment becomes irreversible).
3. Maturation: biofilm is formed
4. 3-Dimensional growth, maturation, protection from the host immunity and from antimicrobial substances.
5. Dispersion and proliferation of the planktonic bacteria.

Biofilm in liquid feeding systems – the perfect environment

• High variety of microorganisms present
• High quantity of nutrients
• Water
• Contact with surfaces

Where biofilm exists in a liquid feeding system:

1. In the Tank

2. In the pipes

3. In the feeding trough

Visible signs and evaluation of a biofilm

How to manage and maintain positive biofilm

Keep control of your liquid feed fermentations for increased environmental hygiene and digestive safety.

With a world leading homofermentative bacteria, Pedioccoccus acidilactici MA 18/5M, Bactocell®, developed by Lallemand Animal Nutrition, can help control the microbial ecosystem from the mixing vessel to the pipes. Positive lactic flora is stimulated, and the development of undesirable bacteria is controlled.

Bactocell® also releases the potential of the feed ingested at the start of fattening and allows a faster, safer progression along the feed curve. It safely shortens the post weaning/fattening transition, which determines performance in the rest of the cycle.