Water consumption in suckling pigs

Water consumption was measured in 199 suckling pigs aged 1 to 28 days. The suckling pigs began to drink water 3 to 5 hr after birth. Water consumption per pig increased from 36 ml/day at the age of 1 day to 403 ml/day at the age of 28 days. Water consumption per kg body weight, on the other hand, remained constant at 51 to 62 ml, regardless of age. This results indicates that it may be possible to add drugs to drinking water for the purpose of medication in suckling pigs.