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WaterControl, the step towards sustainable drinking trough hygiene for racing pigeons

Or: Why clean drinking water makes the difference between victory and defeat

The health, vitality and performance of Carrier pigeons depend on many factors, from high-quality feeding and optimal training to a careful breeding strategy. However, one aspect that is often underestimated is the Quality of the drinking water.

Clean water is the basis of all metabolic processes. However, dangers lurk in polluted water: Bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella as well as protozoa such as trichomonads are triggers of diseases or, in the best case, "only" cause loss of shape. This is exactly where BergerPIGEONS WaterControl an innovative product that is consistently Drinking water hygiene and thus to the Health of racing pigeons is aimed at.

HOCl: The natural answer to germs

WaterControl relies on Hypochlorous acid (HOCl)a substance that the body produces itself as a defence against pathogens. HOCl penetrates germs, destroys cell membranes and cell components and kills bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts directly, quickly, reliably and without residue, unlike acid products, which only inhibit growth. After use, nothing remains except water and salt.

In contrast to many other products, HOCl is not only highly effective, but at the same time Gentle on pigeons, material-friendly and neutral in flavour. This ensures that racing pigeons enjoy drinking water in sufficient quantities, a decisive advantage, especially in the hot season when hydration is essential for health and performance. WaterControl thus combines a Strong effect in drinking water hygiene with High acceptance by the animals. In comparison, acid preparations are based on organic acids: although they can reduce the infection pressure, pigeons are often reluctant to drink them. WaterControl offers the decisive difference: strong effect without compromise, for healthy and successful pigeons.

Ecalit process - The difference to competitor products

Many HOCl solutions quickly lose stability and have to be dosed at high levels. This is where WaterControl comes in with the Ecalit process on: It guarantees a particularly pure and stable form of HOCl. This makes the difference in practice: lower dosage, high efficacy and maximum safety.

The science behind WaterControl: Hypochlorous acid (HOCl)

HOCl is an endogenous substance that the immune system of humans and animals also uses to fight off pathogens.

  • Manufacture: BergerPIGEONS WaterControl is electrochemically activated using the ECALIT® process with water, salt and electricity. The result: a highly effective, residue-free disinfectant with a shelf life of up to two years.
  • Effect: HOCl penetrates germs, destroys cell components and kills bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeasts directly, in contrast to acid products, which only inhibit growth.
  • Compatibility: As HOCl occurs naturally in the body, it is particularly gentle and safe for pigeons.

The invisible enemy: Biofilm in drinking vessels

A core problem in pigeon breeding is the Biofilm, a slimy coating in drinking troughs and drinking vessels that protects pathogens and can promote antibiotic resistance.

WaterControl dissolves and destroys biofilm sustainably. It therefore not only eliminates superficial germs, but also their source. This reduces the risk of recurring infections and contributes to long-term Health of racing pigeons with.

Application and dosage: Practical for everyday use by breeders

Area of applicationDosage per 1 litre of waterPurposeFrequency
Maintenance hygiene0.5-1 mlDaily, preventive applicationRegularly
Intensive hygienisation3-5 mlShock treatment for increased bacterial loadUnique
Drinking trough/line cleaning10-20 mlBasic cleaning & biofilm removalIf required

Practical examples:

  • Maintenance hygiene: daily to prevent disease transmission.
  • Intensive hygienisation: after races, in the case of new arrivals or acute bacterial contamination.
  • Cleaning: Targeted against biofilm in drinking troughs, pipes and containers.

Quality standards:

  • DIN EN 901 tested: fulfils the strictest standards for human drinking water.
  • Environmentally friendly: Decomposes into water and salt - no residues, no toxicity.

Conclusion: Foundation for healthy and high-performance racing pigeons

BergerPIGEONS WaterControl is due to its properties a Strategic tool for the breeder:

  • ensure drinking water hygiene in the long term,
  • prevent infections,
  • to sustainably break down biofilm,
  • and increase the performance of the pigeon population.

With WaterControl provides you with a solution that combines modern science and practical suitability for everyday use. Thanks to HOCl in the Ecalit process chains of infection are reliably interrupted, without side-effects, without the desire to drink, without residues.

Whoever wants to protect their pigeons Reduce infection pressure and the Health in the blow permanently, thanks to the special Ecalit process in WaterControl is the ideal solution.

Contaminated water can contain bacteria, viruses and protozoa and cause diseases such as trichomoniasis. Clean drinking water protects the health of racing pigeons.

Why is drinking water hygiene so important for racing pigeons?

How does BergerPIGEONS WaterControl work in drinking water?

Is WaterControl safe for racing pigeons?

How do I dose WaterControl in everyday life?

What distinguishes WaterControl from other products?

What makes a high-performance racing pigeon? Between theory, genetics and real-life practice

In racing pigeon breeding, there has always been a desire for performance foresee even before a pigeon goes on its first race. Numerous observation and assessment methods have therefore been developed over generations. They are part of the culture of our sport and are valuable because they help us to perceive, compare and better understand pigeons.

Many breeders work with finely honed theoretical models, for example:

  • Eye theories to assess vitality, orientation or inheritance strength
  • Pigmentation on tail or wing feathers as possible indications of metabolism, vitality or feather quality
  • Shape of certain cover springs under the sash
  • and elasticity and shape of the hand wings, feather structure
  • Musculature, sternum, backbone, back line, throat and breathing

These characteristics are intensively considered and discussed in shows, at exhibitions and in discussions.
And this activity makes sense: it trains your perception and feeling for pigeons.

But:

No single characteristic can predict with certainty whether a pigeon will achieve top performance in the long term.

The decisive factor is the Total from motivation, physiology, orientation, resilience and regeneration capacity, and this sum is reflected in the only in the race.


What do scientific studies show?

The study by Mercieca et al. investigated whether external body characteristics such as wing length, breast depth or body weight are directly related to flight speed. The result was clear:

No single external characteristic reliably explains the actual travel performance.

Pigeons with long wings or deeper chests were not automatically faster. The decisive factors were the interaction and functional performance of the overall system, in particular musculature, energy balance, orientation and stress resistance in flight.

Source: Mercieca S, Jilly B, Gáspárdy A (2017) Connection among Body Measurements and Flying Speed of Racing Pigeon. Int J Agric Sc Food Technol 3(1): 009-018

At the same time, the genetic study by Kolvenbag et al. was able to show that certain Gene variants can influence certain aspects of performance, for example:

Gene markerFunctionPerformance relevance
DRD4Mental stability, orientation
& stress management
Short & medium-haul
F-KERSpring structure & aerodynamic
Efficiency
Long distance (500 km +)

But the same applies here:

No single gene "makes" a top aircraft.
Performance is only achieved in combination with training, health and mental resilience.

Source: Geert Kolvenbag, Mark Scott, Arne de Kloet, Ed de Kloet (2022), Prospective study relating genotype profiles with race performance. Journal of Applied Genetics 63:563-570


What does this mean for the practice of breeding?

I understand pigeons as Functional whole organismswhose performance is generated on several levels simultaneously:

  1. Genetics: It defines the framework within which metabolism, regeneration and orientation are possible.
  2. Musculature & energy supply: Especially the Fat metabolism determines stamina on long flights.
  3. Sash mechanism & spring quality: Not the form "according to theory", but Efficiency counts in practice.
  4. Mental capacity: The instinct to return home, orientation, calmness and stress resistance are crucial.
  5. Training & health management: Without it, potential remains unutilised.

A pigeon is not good because it is "beautiful".
It is good because it repeated home quickly in the heat, rain, headwinds and over long distances.

And that's exactly how I rate pigeons:
I trust in Performance, consistency and regeneration.

The ability to recover after a hard flight to be back at competition level within a few daysFor me, this is one of the strongest performance indicators of all.


Why I continue to check, feel, observe but in the end decide the list

Of course, the judgement of a pigeon in the hand still plays a role.
liveliness, musculature, plumage quality and body balance say something about Condition and Readiness for training but they say nothow the pigeon will react under the real conditions of a race.

And this is exactly where pigeons become competitors: in the air, in the wind, under pressure, at the decisive moment of orientation.

That's why I trust my eyes and my hands, but at the end of the day I trust the Results in the list.

Because what the pigeon in the Basket, in the Air and in the Price list is what it really is.

No. Certain characteristics can provide clues, but the actual performance is only revealed in the race flight.

Can you reliably recognise the performance of a pigeon "in the hand"?

Are genetic tests useful for breeding?

Why does mental strength play such an important role?

What role does training play compared to genetics?

Is a beautiful or "correctly built" pigeon automatically good?

What is the strongest performance indicator for me?

BergerPearls No.1: How a single pearl is revolutionising racing pigeon feeding

The modern Racing pigeon breeding places ever greater demands on our feathered athletes. Whether in the Racing seasonduring the Mauser or in the Breeding, Pigeons should deliver top performance and stay healthy at the same time. To achieve this, breeders often resort to countless additional products: Probiotics for drinking water, vitamin powders in the feed, oils and grain mixtures. This routine not only costs time and labour, but also requires a lot of knowledge.

This is exactly where BergerPearls No.1 and revolutionises the Feeding: A single, innovative feed supplement combines Energydigestive support and Immune defence in small pearls. With just a handful of these "power pearls" a day, the pigeons get everything they need for a healthy diet. Healthperformance and fast regeneration.

The secret behind the pearl: gentle production for maximum effect

The key to the effectiveness of BergerPearls No.1 lies in its unique Pelletising process. Unlike conventional pellets or extruders, which are pressed under high pressure and heat, the production process is gentle and without any loss of nutrients. As a result, sensitive active ingredients such as live probiotics, vitamins and herbal extracts remain fully active.

Each pearl contains the complete combination of nutrients and active ingredients and is so small that it is ideal for mixing in with the normal grain feed. Your pigeons instinctively like to eat the pearls, as the base consists of flavoured peanut kernels. This process guarantees that all ingredients are protected until they are ingested by the pigeon and work optimally can.

Concentrated power in every pearl: unique ingredients

The true innovative power of BergerPearls No.1 is based on a large number of synergistically harmonised components.   The product is not a random mix, but a well thought-out overall concept that combines various mechanisms of action to support the health of the pigeons holistically. 

  • Highly digestible energyThe chopped peanut kernel base provides highly digestible crude fat and protein. These nutrients are crucial for rapid muscle recovery and the stamina required for long flights.
  • Healthy digestionAn intact intestinal microbiome is essential for the vitality of your pigeons. BergerPearls No.1 contains selected Probiotics (beneficial bacterial cultures) and Prebiotics (special dietary fibres as "food" for the microbiome). This combination stabilises the intestinal flora, displaces harmful germs and improves the absorption of nutrients. Regular daily administration ensures a continuous supply.
    Extra advantage in breeding: Studies show that parent birds supplied with probiotics produce more immunoglobulins in their crop milk. The young pigeons thus receive immune protection while still in the nest and grow up to be more resistant. This will benefit your entire breeding programme in the long term.
  • Natural immune booster: A strong Immune system is vital for racing pigeons, especially in the Racing season. The pearls are based on two natural components:
    Beta-glucans and Colostrum. Beta-glucans from yeast "wake up" the defence cells and make them more alert. Colostrum, the antibody-rich first milk, provides additional immunoglobulins that directly neutralise pathogens.
  • Protection against harmful germs: MCT oils (medium-chain fatty acids) act as a natural protection against germs by specifically breaking down the envelopes of pathogens such as clostridia, E. colisalmonella or streptococci in the intestine without affecting the beneficial intestinal bacteria. This creates a antibiotic-free protection from digestive disorders and infections, especially during periods of stress.
  • Essential micronutrients: The product provides a broad spectrum of Vitamins (A, D3, E, C) and chelated Trace elements. "Chelated" means that the minerals are bound to organic carriers, which means they are absorbed particularly well in the intestine. These vital substances support countless bodily functions, from intact mucous membranes and strong bones to robust growth and glossy plumage.
  • Detoxification for a safe gut: Toxin binder such as bentonite and clinoptilolite act like sponges, absorbing harmful substances and excess fluid in the digestive tract. This relieves the liver and significantly reduces the risk of indigestion or "wet faeces".

The following table provides a detailed overview of the main groups of active ingredients and their benefits:

Active ingredient groupFunction & benefit
Energy & protein base (peanut kernels)Provide highly digestible energy and protein for endurance and muscle recovery.
Essential active ingredients (vitamins, trace elements)secure metabolic processes, strengthen the immune system and ensure health and performance
Intestinal health (pro- & prebiotics)Stabilise the microbiome, promote beneficial bacteria and displace pathogens.
Selective protection (Medium-chain fatty acids)Have a selective antimicrobial effect against harmful germs without disturbing the intestinal flora.
Immune defence (beta-glucans, colostrum)Activate and modulate the body's own immune system for a faster response.
Nutrient utilisation (Digestive enzymes)Improve the absorption of nutrients from the forage.
Detoxification (Toxin binder)Bind harmful substances and excess moisture, relieve the liver and reduce diarrhoea.

Science meets practice: The unbeatable advantage for breeders

BergerPearls No.1 makes the Everyday feeding simpler and more effective. The concept means that a single product performs the functions of many separate supplements. Instead of measuring out several doses every day, you simply add one portion of the pearls to the food without missing out on the advantages and benefits of the many different products such as probiotics, conditioner powders, herbal extracts such as oregano oil blends, MCT preparations, immune boosters, multivitamins and others. Rather, the Feeding clean, simple and fast. Beginners benefit from the fact that their pets are fully catered for without complex feeding plans. Professionals appreciate the time saved and the certainty that no important nutrient or active ingredient is forgotten.

The pigeons usually accept BergerPearls No.1 from the very first day and favour it after just a few feedings. Daily feeding ensures a constant level of functional components in the intestines, which means that the pigeons show more stable vitality and are less susceptible to diseases. In the long term, this feeding is also very Cost-efficientas fewer individual products are required and healthier pigeons mean fewer losses in the long term. Whether in the Racing seasonin the resting phase, during the Mauser or to the BreedingWith this all-in-one solution, you always feed optimally. The result is more resilient flocks and more consistent flight performance, as only perfectly healthy pigeons can realise their full potential.

The pearls strengthen intestinal health, the immune system and regeneration through a synergistic combination of probiotics, beta-glucans, MCT oils and other functional ingredients.

How does BergerPearls No.1 support the health of racing pigeons?

Can BergerPearls No.1 completely replace other supplements?

How should BergerPearls No.1 be used correctly in daily feeding?

Is the product also suitable for young pigeons, moulting and breeding?

What role do MCT oils play in BergerPearls No.1?

What makes BergerPearls No.1 so unique for feeding racing pigeons?

Are the ingredients of BergerPearls No.1 scientifically proven?