Water nipples or water bowls for weaned piglets: Effect on water intake,performance, and plasma osmolality |
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| Authors: | K. E. Bøe O. Kjelvik |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences , Norwegian University of Life Sciences , ?s, Norway knut.boe@umb.no;3. Nortura SA , Steinkjer, Norway |
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| Abstract: | Abstract Twelve litters were offered nipple drinkers (NIPPLE treatment) as the only source of water after weaning at 32–35 days of age, and 12 litters were offered water from a water bowl (BOWL treatment). Water usage was measured using water meters and blood samples were taken from four randomly selected piglets from each of eight. The water intake was similar in the two treatments for days 1–3 and days 4–7, but significantly higher in the NIPPLE treatment for days 8–14 (P<0.05). Daily gain was higher (P<0.05) in the NIPPLE treatment. The water quality was much better in the NIPPLE treatment, especially on days 7 and 9. Plasma osmolality was higher in the NIPPLE treatment at day 1, but at day 5 osmolality was highest in the BOWL treatment. We conclude that water supply from nipple drinkers is a better alternative for weaned piglets because of higher water intake, better water quality, and improved daily gain. |
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| Keywords: | Water dispensers water intake weaned piglets |
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