Comparison of weaner drinkers

Having plentiful supply of good quality water is a key factor for success in pig production. Different studies show that the amount of feed eaten by a pig is determined by the amount of water consumed, and not the other way round.

Therefore, the election of the appropriate drinker is a factor to bear in mind in any of the pig production stages, but more specially in the nursery, when we must facilitate that the piglet learns where and how to drink.

There are several kinds of drinkers in the market, but we can classify them in 3 main groups: nipple, bowl and constant flow drinkers.

The main aspects to take into account when choosing a drinker for the nurseries are:

•    The ease of use, because water consumption during the first days is crucial so the piglets have a good start.
•    The flow of the drinker in this stage must be of 0.5-1 litre per minute. An excessive flow may 'frighten' the piglet, reducing its intake, and a flow that is too low will make the piglet 'become tired', drink less and therefore eat less feed.
Other aspects to have in mind when choosing the drinkers are:
•    The materials with which they are made, that will determine their durability.
•    If the water flow is adjustable or not.
•    The presence of a filter.
•    If they are designed to reduce water wastage.
•    If they are adjustable in terms of height or not.
•    If they become dirty easily or not, and if they can be cleaned.

Regardless of the drinker we choose, we must not forget that its location in the pen, to respect an appropriate number of piglets per drinker, water quality and temperature, and an adequate stimulation management during the first days after weaning are as important or even more than the choice of the kind of drinker.

Next we show a sample of the kinds of drinkers available in the market for piglets in the nursery stage.

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