The water consumption of suckling sows

Abstract

The water consumption was determined of thirty-seven Large White suckling sows that were tethered on grass. The mean consumption was 43 lb. a day, the variation between sows, and of particular sows from day to day, being particularly wide. The consumption was practically unaffected by weather and was nearly the same in summer and winter; it was impossible to demonstrate any relation between consumption and number or weight of litter, but there was evidence of a slight decrease as lactation progressed.It is evident from a brief discussion that exact balance experiments as to the partitions of water for its various uses in the body of the pig are badly needed. It is hoped that the facts given here may draw attention to this point which has been neglected in animal nutrition studies.