Litters tend to gain poorly during the first 3 days after birth if the sow drinks less than 10 litres of water during this period. In some sows poor early lactation performance is associated with low water intake. Low water consumption may be a sign of health problems or just simple lethargy on the part of the sow. Placing nipple drinkers at different heights in the farrowing crate does not reduce the problem. Until more information is available, it may be prudent to encourage sluggish sows to become active as soon after farrowing as possible to stimulate drinking and thus promote better early lactation performance.
Piglets require water immediately after birth.
Litters that gain poorly during the first 1-3 days after farrowing drink more water than faster growing litters. When sows milk poorly, piglets may not consume enough water in the limited amount of milk they receive and could benefit from supplemental drinking water. Nipple drinkers are unsuitable for newborn piglets because piglets take too long to find and use the drinker. A dish drinker located in the creep area is a better choice than a nipple drinker. Providing drinking water to very young piglets does not reduce their motivation to suckle.