Previous work has shown finishing pigs can waste 25% of water from well-managed nipple drinkers, therefore opportunities exist to reduce wastage when flow rates are adjusted on a regular basis. Actual on-farm water flow rates and nipple drinker heights were measured on 24 farms across Canada, representing each phase of production from gestation to finishing.
Recommended flow rates should range between 1.0 to 2.0 L/min and 0.5 to 1.0 L/min for farrowing and all other phases of production respectively, while the target range used in the analysis was expanded from 0.5 to 1.5 L/min for all areas other than farrowing. Properly mounting nipple drinkers can help reduce water wastage. Nipple drinkers mounted at 90° should be set to shoulder height, while nipple drinkers mounted at 45° should be set to 5cm (2 inches) above the back of the smallest pig in the pen. It is important to note that mounting nipple drinkers lower than required will increase water wastage. Finally, ensure you regularly check water flow rates, as this will determine time spent at the nipple, water intake and water wastage. Too little is just as costly as too much when it comes to flow rates.
Making the most of your water (full article)
