Treating Biofilm in Drinking Water Lines in Poultry Houses and Piggeries Using Hydrogen Peroxide with Silver

Biofilm formation in drinking water lines is a significant but often underestimated risk in animal rearing systems such as in poultry houses and piggeries. Biofilms consist of complex microbial communities embedded in a protective extracellular matrix that adheres to pipe surfaces, drinker lines, nipples, and regulators. Once established, biofilms can harbour pathogenic bacteria, protect organisms from disinfectants, interfere with medication delivery, reduce water flow, and contribute to inconsistent animal growth performance, higher disease occurrence, and increased antibiotic reliance. 

Risks associated with biofilm in animal water systems 

Biofilms act as a persistent reservoir of contamination, releasing microorganisms including bacteria intermittently into the drinking water. This leads to fluctuating microbial loads that are difficult to detect with spot sampling.

In poultry and pig systems, biofilms are associated with: 

• Reduced water intake due to taste and odour issues 

• Inactivation or lack of adsorption of medicines and supplements 

• Increased incidence of enteric disease 

• Blocked or partially blocked drinkers and nipples 

• Higher overall biosecurity risk during critical growth or stress periods 

Material of construction and treatment constraints  

Animal drinking water systems are typically constructed from PVC, PE, rubber seals, stainless steel components, and elastomers.

Many aggressive disinfectants (high free chlorine, acids, aldehydes) can: 

• Accelerate plastic embrittlement 

• Damage seals and regulators 

• Leave residues or taints 

• Be incompatible with certain water-administered medicines 

These constraints limit how aggressively biofilms can be treated using conventional approaches. 

Advantages of hydrogen peroxide with silver 

Hydrogen peroxide combined with silver offers a unique and complementary mode of action that makes it particularly effective for biofilm management: 

• Deep biofilm penetration: 

  Hydrogen peroxide deco forms reactive oxygen species that physically disrupt the biofilm matrix, allowing penetration into layers that chlorine and many other disinfectants cannot reach. 

• Biofilm removal, not just surface disinfection: 

  Unlike disinfectants that mainly kill planktonic (free-floating) bacteria, hydrogen peroxide actively breaks down and removes biofilm structure, reducing long-term regrowth. 

• Stabilised silver as an antimicrobial adjunct: 

  Silver enhances antimicrobial efficacy, particularly at biofilm surfaces, and helps suppress recolonisation after peroxide action. 

• Compatibility with certain water-administered medicines: 

  Some veterinary medicines and additives are unstable in chlorinated water but remain stable in hydrogen-peroxide-based systems. This allows biofilm control during periods where chlorine cannot be used. 

Compatibility must always be confirmed with a veterinary health professional, as this is case- and formulation-dependent. 

Where and how to use Argenox 

Argenox is best suited for: 

• Periodic biofilm removal programmes 

• Use during critical production phases (placement, early growth, stress events) 

• Situations where chlorine must be temporarily avoided due to medicine or additive compatibility 

Argenox should be applied using controlled dosing and appropriate contact times, followed by verification at the drinker point. 

Important limitations and correct application 

• Hydrogen peroxide with silver is not a replacement for standard water disinfection systems such as chlorination.

  It should be used: 

  • Periodically as a biofilm control intervention, or 

  • During defined periods where chlorine use is constrained 

Silver is less effective in waters with moderate to high chloride levels, as silver ions readily react with chlorides and lose activity. Best performance is achieved in waters with very low chloride concentrations. 

Conclusion 

When correctly positioned and professionally supervised, hydrogen peroxide with silver provides a powerful tool for biofilm control in poultry and piggery drinking water systems. Used periodically alongside conventional disinfection, and in consultation with veterinary professionals, it supports improved water hygiene, medicine delivery, and overall biosecurity—addressing a problem that many standard disinfectants simply cannot solve on their own.