As part of the Jones-Hamilton Co. line of products, SWASHCOOL-CELL™ benefits from the same level of continuous research and development as all JH products. Over the last year, SWASH™ leaders have diligently worked with producers, integrators and leading names in academia to better understand how SWASHCOOL-CELL™ can benefit users the most in extending the life of evaporative cooling pads.

While the performance of evaporative cooling systems is most crucial during hot months, it’s important to consider what maintenance steps can be taken throughout the year to ensure system performance and pad longevity.

During hot months, evaporative cooling systems are crucial to maintain target temperatures within broiler houses, turkey barns, and sow farms to help producers eliminate the costly effects of heat stress in animals. Heat stress can not only cause welfare challenges and mortality, it also decreases production and reduces profits. Common signs of heat stress are reduced feed intake and growth rates, panting, weakness and watery droppings.

Water quality is one of the biggest driving factors that affect the longevity of cool cell pads. Cleaner water typically means cleaner pads. However, even clean water can lead to damaged pads if pads are not properly maintained. Why does supposedly clean water lead to pad quality issues? It comes down to the composition of the water going through the cool cell system. Understanding what kind of water you have on your farm (mineralogy, alkalinity), the better you are able to develop a routine pad maintenance program to extend the life of your pads.

The detrimental effects of heat stress can be seen across all types of birds: increased mortality in broilers, decreased egg production and quality in layers, and decreased weight in turkeys to name a few. Evaporative cooling and ventilation systems work to create growing environments ideal for bird performance. But what happens when systems aren’t functioning at their target capacity?

As the earliest phase of a chicken’s life, hatchery conditions, including both incubation parameters and exposure to pathogens, set the stage for flock well-being. Environmental threats present in a hatchery have the potential to cause considerable harm or loss of future performance, especially for flocks designated to be part of a raised without antibiotics program.

While 2020 has brought challenges, we want to take a moment to reflect on the growth and positive changes the year has delivered. One year ago, the SWASH™ product line was acquired by Jones-Hamilton Co. Since that time, we have had the opportunity to further our goals of simplifying cleaning and improving hygiene in hatcheries, poultry houses and swine facilities.

The success of a pullet flock depends heavily on the precise management of light. Producers utilize covers called light traps and cover any areas within the house that could potentially leak light, such as tunnel fans and inlets, to prevent the introduction of outside light. These covers work well to restrict light; however, they can also restrict air flow. Given that air flow/movement is critical in managing air quality and house temperature, it is key that producers understand how light traps function so they can better control bird light exposure without sacrificing air quality.

While the need for evaporative cooling systems is ending for the season, it’s important to remember that investing time now to properly winterize your system can significantly contribute to optimal functionality in the spring.

Each year, more than $20 million in property losses and between 40 and 50 injuries occur from combine and tractor fires¹. In addition to fire risk, a build-up of dust, dry chaff, leaves and other organic material can hinder equipment performance. Routine cleaning and maintenance along with basic operational precautions go a long way in preventing costly fires.