Monitoring daily water use in individual groups of pigs is a low-cost, yet valuable method to observe and care for pigs. By charting water disappearance, producers can quickly detect potential issues affecting pig performance. However, it does not directly indicate the specific problem.
Research and field observations have shown that monitoring water use is more predictable and sensitive than monitoring feed intake. Implementing and maintaining water monitoring is also time-efficient.
Water quality and availability are often taken for granted, despite water being the most critical nutrient for swine. Production systems may limit water access by overlooking recommendations for the number of drinking spaces, drinker types and adjustments, and the amount of water delivered into barns.
Dr. Mike Brumm, Extension Swine Specialist at the University of Nebraska, studied water needs and intake patterns of swine. He found that monitoring daily water use in individual groups of pigs can aid in predicting pig performance and allow for timely management decisions.
Monitoring Stress and Performance in Pigs
Using Feed Intake: Producers often estimate feed intake to predict performance and indirectly indicate stress or lower performance in pigs. They may monitor feed auger run times and use feed budgets. Stressors in swine include disease onset, temperature changes, heat load, rough handling, and commingling of pigs. Factors outside the pig’s control, such as out-of-feed events, can also affect feed intake.
Using Water Intake: Water intake is more directly controlled by pigs than feed intake. Properly maintained water delivery equipment ensures pigs always have access to water. Water recording devices, manual or electronic, allow better monitoring of water use by room or barn. Research indicates a strong relationship between water intake and animal health. A significant drop in water use can signal potential health problems, allowing for early intervention and preventive therapy.
Keeping Track of Water Use
Several companies offer electronic water monitoring systems that provide real-time data. However, a less costly and easy-to-use option is the daily water usage chart developed by the University of Nebraska and the Iowa Pork Industry. This chart allows producers to record water meter levels and graph daily water use, providing a visual image of water disappearance. By reading water meters at the same time each day, caretakers can easily identify changes in water intake and pig performance.
Summary for Swine Web
Monitoring daily water use in pigs offers a cost-effective and sensitive way to detect potential performance issues. Dr. Mike Brumm’s research highlights the importance of water intake monitoring in predicting pig performance and making timely management decisions. Water intake is a more reliable indicator than feed intake, as it is directly controlled by the pigs. Electronic monitoring systems and daily water usage charts are practical tools for producers to ensure optimal pig care and performance. By keeping a close eye on water use, producers can detect and address health problems early, ensuring better outcomes for their swine herds.
