Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the active ingredient in HYPO-LYTE, our antiviral and antibacterial sanitizing solution with biocidal, fungicidal and sporicidal properties. HOCl is a stable, pH-neutral acid. It is non-toxic and can be handled without wearing protective gear. HOCl is safe to use around livestock. There are numerous studies available demonstrating its effectiveness for cleaning agricultural equipment, animal pens, surfaces and machinery.  As well as promoting animal wound healing. HOCl can be used to mist stalls, barns, surfaces and floors safely while animals are present.

COMMON USES OF HOCL IN CATTLE FARMING

• as a natural disinfectant of drinking water for cattle
• as a disinfectant spray for animal pens and milking areas
• to clean and sanitise equipment, especially milking equipment in the dairy industry
• to treat cattle’s skin wounds to prevent infections

Using HOCl in drinking troughs keeps water clean and free of pathogens for longer. Controlling water-borne pathogens supports livestock health and minimises stock lost to illness. HOCl also controls the bacteria that produce slime in standing water. This reduces cleaning requirements and associated labour costs. Less water is used and wasted by livestock farmers who follow an HOCl protocol. This benefits both the environment and the farm’s overheads.

HOCl can help dairy farmers achieve the high standards of cleanliness that dairy production requires. Milking teats are prone to infection and there are many risks associated with the traditional chemicals used as disinfectants. The list of chemicals traditionally used as disinfectants by dairy farmers includes:

• Iodophors, Chlorhexidine (CHX), Linear dodecyl benzene sulfonic acids, Sodium hypochlorite (bleach), Sodium chlorite, Lactic or mandelic acid, Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs)

Whilst many of these chemicals are very effective disinfectants for milking teats, they can cause skin irritation in milking cows due to their very high or low pH values.  Because of this potential for irritation, skin-protecting humectants such as glycerin or lanolin are often added to disinfectants containing these chemicals. This formulation can adversely affect the effectiveness of the disinfectant, meaning that more chemicals need to be used to keep cows disease free.

There are also significant environmental effects associated with runoff from bleach and QACs. These chemicals are known to contaminate soil, air and water. This means that farmers using bleach and QACs must take precautions for safe storage of these chemicals. By using HOCl farmers sidestep all these risks without compromising on the effectiveness of their disinfectant protocol.

USING HOCl SOLUTIONS WHEN CARING FOR ANIMALS

HOCl is the active ingredient in a number of veterinary preparations for conjunctivitis, burns, wounds and mastitis. It rapidly kills the causative agents of viral, bacterial and fungal infections.  HOCl and is also used for the irrigation and cleaning of livestock wounds. This reduces the need for costly antibiotics, improving animal health without contributing to antibiotic resistance and the rise of superbugs within herds.

Studies show that a combination of misting, water sanitising and equipment cleansing can reduce digestive and respiratory problems in cattle by 95%. This reduces the need for antibiotics and other drugs, keeping cattle healthy while reducing costs associated with cattle care. HOCl is internationally approved for veterinary use by the USDA. It is also approved by the NRCS and SABS/SANS in South Africa.

• Improves quality of drinking water by killing water-borne pathogens.
• Reduces labour costs associated with cleaning water troughs and buckets.
• Reduces the spread of diseases within livestock herds without negative side effects.
• Reduces the need to use antibiotics to treat infections, reducing veterinary costs.
• Waste water treated with HOCl can be safely disposed of without restrictions or additional treatments.
• It is reported that cattle treated with HOCl show an improvement in milk production and reach full weight faster compared to those treated with toxic chemicals.