On many swine farms, water is tested for flow but not for what’s inside it. Yet contaminated waterlines quietly undermine performance, suppress immune response, and increase piglet mortality — all without visible signs until it's too late.
Water makes up over 75% of a pig’s body weight at birth and remains vital throughout its lifecycle. Despite this, water hygiene is one of the most overlooked factors in swine production — even though it directly affects growth rates, feed conversion, and biosecurity.
That’s why more producers are turning to Selectrocide® ultra-pure chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) from Selective Micro Technologies — an EPA-registered and NSF-registered disinfectant trusted for drinking water treatment, barn sanitation, and odor control in swine operations.
Why Water Quality Matters in Swine Production
- Pigs can consume up to 3 gallons of water per 100 lbs of body weight daily
- Contaminated waterlines harbor pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, leading to scours and respiratory illness
- Water quality impacts feed efficiency, weight gain, and immune strength, especially during weaning and grow-finish phases
- Studies show:
- 12% increase in weight gain
- 9% improvement in feed conversion
- Reduced antibiotic use for common infections
If you're looking to improve swine biosecurity and performance, water hygiene is one of the highest-impact areas to start.
Chlorine Dioxide in Swine Drinking Water
Selectrocide is approved for low-dose use in animal drinking water and delivers ultra-pure chlorine dioxide through a patented generation system — with no need to mix chemicals or handle corrosive acids.
Benefits of using chlorine dioxide in swine drinking water include:
- Reduced bacterial loads in water systems
- Lower piglet mortality
- Improved average daily gain and weaning weights
For swine producers seeking a safe, effective solution to support growth and hydration, Selectrocide is proven and ready.
Biosecurity, Odor Control & Surface Disinfection
Chlorine dioxide doesn’t stop at drinking water — it plays a crucial role in whole-barn hygiene. Selectrocide ClO₂ can be used to:
- Sanitize farrowing crates, feeders, and drinkers
- Flush waterlines between cycles
- Fog or mist barns to neutralize odors like ammonia and hydrogen sulfide
- Disinfect trailers, equipment, and footbaths
This holistic approach supports cleaner environments, reduces piglet mortality, and protects staff and animal health.
PRRS Virus Mitigation with Chlorine Dioxide
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) remains one of the most costly viral diseases in swine production. It causes reproductive failure in sows and severe respiratory illness in piglets — often followed by secondary infections and high mortality.
While vaccines are widely used, chlorine dioxide may offer additional protection. Emerging research has shown that ClO₂ can:
- Inhibit PRRSV replication by blocking the virus at the cellular entry stage
- Suppress viral attachment in vitro
- Reduce airborne viral load when misted
- Disinfect farrowing rooms, nursery pens, and surfaces between groups
As new PRRS strains emerge, broad-spectrum virucidal disinfectants like Selectrocide can play a vital role in protecting herd health and maintaining operational resilience.
Regulatory Confidence with Selectrocide
- EPA-registered (EPA Reg. No. 74986-1)
- NSF-registered for drinking water use
- Non-corrosive, residue-free, and biodegradable
- Safe for daily use in livestock environments
Unlike chlorine or acid-based sanitizers, Selectrocide leaves no harmful byproducts — helping farms align with sustainability goals and reduce antibiotic use.
Cleaner Water. Healthier Hogs. Stronger Operations.
Whether your goal is to cut treatment costs, increase average daily gain, or elevate biosecurity, water disinfection is a simple yet powerful improvement. Selectrocide makes it safe, scalable, and effective.
Contact Selective Micro Technologies at 855-256-8299 or email inquiry@selectivemicro.com to request a free consultation or product sample.
Sources
1. Pork Checkoff. (2023). Water Intake Guidelines for Pigs.
2. Journal of Swine Health and Production (2021). Chlorine Dioxide Effects on Weight Gain and Antibiotic Use.
3. International Journal of Livestock Production (2022). Waterline Sanitation and Growth Metrics in Swine.
4. Zhu, Z., et al. (2019). Chlorine dioxide inhibits the replication of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus by blocking viral attachment. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 67, 78-87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meegid.2018.11.002