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Water consumption in suckling pigs
M Nagai1, K Hachimura, K Takahashi
1Toyama Meat Inspection Center, Japan.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Suckling pigs start drinking water within hours of birth. Their water intake increases with age, but water consumption per kilogram of body weight remains stable, suggesting potential for water-based medication delivery.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Swine Production
Background:
- Accurate assessment of water intake is crucial for piglet health and management.
- Understanding hydration needs in young pigs informs feeding and medication strategies.
- Early life water consumption patterns in suckling pigs are not fully characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify water consumption in suckling pigs from 1 to 28 days of age.
- To determine the relationship between water intake, age, and body weight in piglets.
- To evaluate the feasibility of using drinking water for medication in young pigs.
Main Methods:
- Water consumption was measured in 199 suckling pigs.
- Measurements were taken daily for pigs aged 1 to 28 days.
- Water intake was analyzed per pig and per kilogram of body weight.
Main Results:
- Suckling pigs initiated water intake 3 to 5 hours post-birth.
- Daily water consumption per pig increased significantly with age, from 36 ml/day at 1 day to 403 ml/day at 28 days.
- Water consumption per kilogram of body weight remained relatively constant (51-62 ml/kg/day) across the observed age range.
Conclusions:
- Piglet water intake scales with age but is consistent relative to body weight.
- The stable water intake per unit of body weight supports the potential for effective oral drug administration via drinking water in suckling pigs.
- This finding has implications for optimizing medication protocols in early-stage swine farming.