Water Access and Swine Performance
Water is the most critical nutrient for swine. Inadequate water access — whether from too few drinkers, low flow rates, or improper nipple placement — directly reduces feed intake and growth rate.
Key water requirements by stage:
- Nursery (< 50 lbs): 0.5–1.0 L/min flow; 10–12 pigs per nipple
- Grower (50–130 lbs): 0.75–1.0 L/min flow; 10–15 pigs per nipple
- Finisher (130–280 lbs): 1.0–1.5 L/min flow; 12–15 pigs per nipple
- Gestating sows: 2.0 L/min; 1 nipple per 10 sows
- Lactating sows: 2.0+ L/min; individual drinkers preferred
Nipple height should be set at shoulder height of the average pig in the pen. Check and adjust every 2 weeks during the growth phase.
Signs of inadequate water access:
- Pigs queuing at drinkers for extended periods
- Wet areas under drinkers from extended use (pigs cooling themselves when hot)
- Unexplained drops in average daily gain or feed intake
- Increased pen aggression