MISTRAL APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR
SWINE

Mistral can be used in swine facilities in a variety of ways to control moisture, therefore reducing the incidence of pathogenic bacteria, mold and fungi.  In addition, the essential oils in Mistral will serve as a fly repellent.  Mistral is an effective and cost efficient way to improve your bottom line.

APPLICATION AMOUNTS
1 cup      =         8 oz    or         ½ lb
2 cups    =        16 oz    or          1 lb

The moisture adsorption* ability of Mistral will be dependent on the humidity level in the facility.  If the atmospheric humidity is higher than the humidity within the product, then Mistral will adsorb the moisture from the air and surfaces.  If the atmospheric humidity is lower than the humidity within the Mistral, then the water will be re-released by the product into the air. 

This adsorption and release of moisture by Mistral allows the product to be used repeatedly, because there is no chemical change when the Mistral adsorbs the moisture.  Other products do not have this characteristic and will chemically change when applied, making their use limited.  With the unique ability to be recycled, Mistral will continue to work, adsorbing moisture until the next application.

Ammonia and urea can be adsorbed until the saturation point is reached.  These molecules are not released and readsorbed, as the moisture is, and are firmly held by the Mistral permanently.  For further technical information, please return to the HOME PAGE and click on “Technical Information on Absorbent in Mistral”

Mistral has a distinctive smell that is a result of the dry oils used in the product.  When Mistral is used at birth, the aroma is imprinted onto the piglets.  Therefore, the use of the product when introducing the animals to new surroundings during mixing or moving helps to reduce stress because the aroma of the new surrounds is similar to the aroma of the previous housing.  In addition, with the reduction in stress, fighting is also reduced and the acceptance of new feeds is increased.

*To more clearly understand how the clays remove ammonia, urea and moisture, the terms absorb and adsorb should be defined.  Absorption is when a substance is diffused into a liquid or solid to form a different solution.  An example of this is when sugar is absorbed into your coffee.  Adsorption occurs when a gas or liquid is added to the surface of a solid or liquid forming a film.  In general, clays adsorb urea, ammonia and moisture.

Mistral Application
Swine
The specific amount of product needed will depend on existing environmental conditions, therefore amounts are listed as a range.
Environmental conditions affecting the amount of product needed include: Moisture level in bedding, humidity, temperature, urine and manure production and removal

FOR ALL HOUSING
APPLICATION RATE
2 cups (1 lb) per 150 sq ft

Mistral is extremely safe to handle and breathe.  The product can be blown into the facility to reduce moisture, molds, bacteria and fungi while the animals are still present.  After the facility walls and floors are power washed, Mistral can be blown onto all damp surfaces, focusing on the areas where the most moisture accumulates.  Mistral will adhere best if it is applied about 30 minutes after power washing.

Due to Mistral’s unique ability to recycle its adsorptive qualities, the product will continue to work until the next power washing.  

FARROWING

Before Birth
APPLICATION RATE
1 cup (½ lb) per day

Apply Mistral to the mats before farrowing to provide a sanitary environment for the sows and newborns.

When the piglets are born, Mistral will attach to the umbilical cord and will accelerate the healing of the navel due to the drying and antibacterial nature of the product.

At Birth
APPLICATION RATE
¼ cup (1/8 lb) per piglet

Piglets can be dipped in Mistral, or the powder can be dusted onto the piglets, while they are still damp after birth.

Mistral will insulate and wick away moisture from the piglet.  When the piglet is drier and warmer the chilling process will be reduced so that the piglet will suckle within the first 15 minutes, and consume up to three times the amount of colostrums due to the energy saved.

In addition, the antibacterial nature of the product will improve the overall health of the piglets.

View the video of the comparison of suckling times with and without the application of Mistral.

After Birth
APPLICATION RATE
 1 cup (½ lb) per crate per day

Apply Mistral to the mats to keep the surface dry and sanitary for the piglets and sows.

Mistral will improve footing and therefore reduce injury to the piglets and leg problems for the sow.

Scours
APPLICATION RATE
2 to 3 cups (1-1½ lbs) per crate per day

At the first sign of scours, sprinkle Mistral liberally over the entire mat, concentrating the product on the wettest areas.

Once the scours has resolved, continue the higher application rates for 3 to 4 days then return to the normal application level.

NURSERY AND FINISHING

Transportation
APPLICATION RATE
8-10 cups (4-5 lb) per 20 ft trailer

With a blower, lightly dust over the loaded animals to provide a familiar aroma to the trailer and have all the animals smell the same.  The familiar odor and similar smell of all animals will reduce stress and prevent fighting and tail biting.

Sprinkle the powder on the loading chutes, alleyways and in the trailer to provide better footing and reduce the ammonia smell.

In Facility
APPLICATION RATE
2 cups (1 lb) per 150 sq ft

Blow or dust over the entire group to provide an evenly dispersed aroma.  If Mistral was previously used, the familiar aroma will reduce stress and decrease the probability of fighting.

Power washing and dusting the facility will reduce moisture and discourage the development of harmful molds, bacteria and fungi.

Providing a familiar aroma will help reduce stress when changing feeds.

BREEDING
APPLICATION RATE
 ½  cup (¼  lb) per sow 2 days before and during insemination

Sprinkle Mistral in the back 1/3 of the crate in the area where the vulva comes in contact with the mat to improve sanitation and reduce the potential for infection before breeding.

GENERAL USAGE GUIDELINES

FOR ALL HOUSING
1 bag per 8250 sq ft

FARROWING
1 bag per will dip a minimum of 250 piglets
1 bag per 110 sows in farrowing crates

TRANSPORTATION
1 bag for 11 trailer loads

BREEDING
1 bag per 220 sows