THE EFFECT OF WATER CONSUMPTION ON THE GROWTH, FEED INTAKE, AND CARCASS COMPOSITION OF SUCKLING PIGLETS

Abstract

A "split-litter" technique was used with nine Yorkshire sows to determine the effects on creep consumption, weight gains, and carcass composition of providing suckling piglets with water or glucose solution. There was a tendency for sows to nurse least at the start and end of the day. Creep feed consumption by the control lot of piglets was less (P < 0.05) than that by piglets given water. The total intake of glucose solution was greater than, but not significantly different from, that of water. The carcass weights and gains of piglets drinking water were not significantly different from those of piglets drinking glucose but were greater (P < 0.05) than those of the controls. The ratio of carcass far:protein was higher (P < 0.01) for the glucose-drinking piglets than for either of the other two lots. Piglets given water yielded the heaviest weight of carcass protein.