Isn’t cleaning the crate enough?

No. The sow brings pathogens with her. Washing both the animal and the pen ensures maximum hygiene.

When should I wash the sow?

Around day 110 of gestation, right before entering the farrowing crate.

Can I use regular soap?

No, regular soap is not recommended for washing livestock. Household soaps can cause skin irritation, damage the natural protective layer of the skin, and are not formulated to effectively remove organic matter or reduce bacterial load. For safe and effective cleaning, always use livestock-friendly products like MS TopFoam Animal, which is specifically designed to clean, disinfect, and protect animals’ skin while maintaining their overall health and well-being.

How often should farrowing pens be cleaned?

After each group of sows. Remove all organic matter, disinfect thoroughly, and leave unused for 5–7 days if possible.

Preparing for farrowing

Washing sows before farrowing. Key points to consider

Hygiene at farrowing is the key to the continued good health and thrive of newborn piglets. Central to this routine is washing the sow as she enters the farrowing crate. This simple process has valuable side benefits: it keeps harmful bacteria from exposing the litter and allows more efficient farrowing.

The three benefits of washing sows before farrowing:

Better piglet health
Reduced microbial load
Improved colostrum intake

Discover the best hygiene routines and products for your farrowing unit

Why clean sows before farrowing?

The washing of sows before farrowing isn’t just about cleanliness; it is a fundamental biosecurity practice.

The soil, feces, and the parasites on the body surface of the sow are involved in sharing the pathogens, such as E. coli, Streptococcus, and eggs of roundworms. These pathogens can cause diarrhea, infections or other weakened conditions in newborn piglets.

Clean teats and skin results in lower numbers of bacteria present in the farrowing crate, thus decreasing the risk of disease spread at a point when piglets are most susceptible.

MS TopFoam Animal

Shampoo for your animals

MS TopFoam Animal is a professional livestock shampoo for washing sows, piglets, cattle, sheep, horses and many other animals. The shampoo is safe, neutral and good for the coat and contains the unique ingredient propolis.

pH Neutral and propolis

The formula is enriched with propolis, a natural substance produced by bees with powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. This unique ingredient not only supports animal health but also helps maintain a glossy, well-conditioned coat.

Supports the body’s defense against infection

Thanks to its high concentration of propolis, MS TopFoam Animal actively supports animals’ immune response. It helps sooth inflammation, while stimulating blood circulation and reducing irritation. Regular use contributes to strength the natural defenses, providing extra protection during high-risk periods like farrowing or pen transitions.

Always a clean result

Designed for professional livestock care, MS TopFoam Animal delivers consistently clean and hygienic results with every wash. Its concentrated formula penetrates deeply to remove dirt, bacteria, and pathogens from the skin, creating a cleaner environment for animals and reducing the risk of infections.

How to wash sows – A 5 steps guide

Strategically plan in advance

Careful planning for washing of the sows should be approximately 110 days into gestation (before the sow enters the farrowing unit).

Use an animal-specific shampoo

Use a premium farm livestock shampoo that is designed and developed to kill dirt, excrement, and microorganisms, while still remaining gentle on the sow’s delicate skin. They should avoid harsh or aggressive soaps that may hurt her.

Focus on the teats and belly

Be especially observant of the sow's teats and belly, as they can come into contact with the piglets and require an industrious cleansing to protect the health and well-being of the piglets.

Thoroughly dry the sow

The sow needs to be thoroughly dried after being washed as wet skin can cause her to chill, which is not only unhealthy, but it can also raise the humidity in the crate and become a breeding ground for bacteria.How to create a dry living environment

Recommended Product: MS TopFoam Animal

MS TopFoam Animal is a highly concentrated livestock shampoo designed to gently yet effectively wash animals like sows, piglets, cattle, and sheep. It helps to create a safer environment for newborn animals.

View MS TopFoam Animal