Adding to biosecurity increases management efficacy: a Stalosan F commercial broiler trial conducted in South Africa
The use of formalin is problematic
In the light of evolving livestock management, the quest for effective and sustainable practices is paramount. There are growing concerns regarding the use of formalin in agricultural practices, due to its toxicity and carcinogenicity.
Stalosan F - a safe alternative to formalin
The Stalosan F commercial trial aims to explore the potential of Stalosan F as a viable alternative to traditional formalin fumigation methods its contribution to animal performance and human safety.
Formalin fumigation has been for a long time a standard practice in livestock management, primarily used for its disinfectant properties. However, the use of formalin raises significant health and environmental concerns. As the agricultural industry shifts towards more sustainable solutions, there is a need for alternatives that maintain animal health and productivity without the associated risks of toxic chemicals exposure.
Stalosan F is a well-known product in the livestock sector, capable of maintaining good hygiene and animal health in livestock farms. It is ready to use powder product that can be easily applied to various animal species, creating a favorable environment and inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms.
On-Farm trial in South Africa shows improvement of animal health and increased profitability of the broiler production
The Stalosan F trial conducted in South Africa aims to evaluate how effectively it can replace the formalin fumigation while simultaneously enhancing the overall performance of livestock.
The trial will involve a controlled environment where livestock is divided into two groups: one treated with Stalosan F(trial) and the other subjected to formalin fumigation(control). Key performance indicators were monitored over the whole period, including health status, growth rates and any adverse reactions to the treatments.
Total birds involved in the trial: ±320 000 mix-sex broilers in 8 houses(± 40 000 birds / house).
All houses are environmentally controlled. Temperature, humidity, and lighting are monitored by Skov System and is adjusted manually when needed. Formalin fumigation replaced by Stalosan F at 50g/m2 2 days before bird placement and on day 9 and day 23 during the cycle. Stalosan F was also used in the footbaths at the entrance of the buildings.
Standard litter removal, dry cleaning, washing and house preparation SOP was followed before placing of new birds. The washing team conducted bacterial swobs before DOC placement in all houses to ensure that houses were correctly washed and disinfected, according to the farm SOP.
| Control | Stalosan F | |
| Cycle 1 | House 7 and 8 | House 1 and 2 |
| Cycle 2 | House 1 and 2 | House 3 and 4 |
| Cycle 3 | House 3 and 4 | House 5 and 6 |
| Cycle 4 | House 5 and 6 | House 7 and 8 |
| Cycle 5 | House 7 and 8 | House 1 and 2 |
Table 1: Control and Stalosan F groups
Results:
The overall effect of Stalosan F resulted in 0,8% reduction of mortality, 6% increased body weight, 64 grams less feed to achieve the final body weight. For the whole flock of 40 000 birds, it will result in 2560 kg less feed. With the results achieved, performance factor increase with 29,6 points.
And the most important result is the economic benefits of Stalosan application.The profitability of broiler production has increased with 32,98%!
The anticipated outcomes of the trial Stalosan F proved to be as effective as formalin fumigation in pathogen reduction while enhancing livestock performance. It paves the way for safer, more effective practices for animal health and welfare improvement, aligning with the global trend for sustainable agriculture.
*FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio): kg of feed required to produce 1 kg of live weight.
*PEF (Performance Efficiency Factor): index combining live weight, mortality, age at depletion, and FCR; higher scores indicate more efficient flock performance.
Profit:
| Control |
Stalosan F |
|
| Net profit per house | 147 745,71 | 196 478,34 |
| Increase in profit per house | 48 732,64 | |
| % increase in income | 32,98 | |
| ROI | 4,12 |
The anticipated outcomes of the trial Stalosan F proved to be as effective as formalin fumigation in pathogen reduction while enhancing livestock performance. It paves the way for safer, more effective practices for animal health and welfare improvement, aligning with the global trend for sustainable agriculture.