The issue of bacterial lameness is one farmers deal with on a regular basis. Reducing the bacterial pressure through continuous cleaning of water can reduce the incidences of bacterial lameness, while also increasing productivity. This can be a result of a high bacteria pressure in the house from a previous flock. During times of stress, such as infection, the lining of the digestive tract can lose their integrity leading to the leaking of bacteria into the blood stream.

The bacteria can flow to the growth plates causing necrosis. This in turn leads to lameness, and could potentially prevent the bird from walking or standing.

Continuous water cleaning is a method of adding a low dose of a chemical cleaning product to prevent bacteria and biofilm build up. This can be up done through dosing systems or in-line systems. Additional cleaning of the water system at flock turnout is key also.

These systems are relatively low cost to install and run each year.

Producers estimate that a water hygiene programme can result in an additional income of €3,000 per annum. This is due to additional performance as a result of reduced bacterial pressure, lower cull rates and better average daily gains.