Water is an elemental substance of pigs
- as much as 70%

A finisher consists of 70% water. Water is essential for the pigs' metabolism, among other things. The water content of the pig also serves several other uses:​

  • ​​Transport and solvent medium for nutrients and waste substances
  • Improved digestive system
  • Ensuring normal electrolytic balance and bone joint flexibility
  • Regulation of body temperature

The water requirement of the pig
Obviously, the water requirement of a weaner differs from that of a nursing sow, just as the following factors play their part:

  • ​Feed formula
  • Feed consumption (the greater the feed consumption, the greater the water requirement
  • The sow's milk production
  • Ambient temperature
  • General health condition​

The table below indicates the water requirement of the various animal categories:

​​​Pig Husbandry – a Primer, Jørgen Peder Christiansen, Landbrugs Rådgivningscenter, 2000
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Water quality
Water for pigs should be the same quality as your own drinking water. In other words, you should be able to drink the same water as the pigs do. Water quality is measured both at the artesian well and the valves, as impurities may accumulate in the pipes. If analyses show contamination of the pipe system, the pipes must be cleaned and disinfected where required. Regular cleaning of the pipe system helps to ensure good water quality.

​Symptoms of dehydration
There are two types of dehydration: acute and chronic dehydration. Acute dehydration will quickly reflect the pigs' behavior, whereas chronic dehydration can be harder to spot.

If the pig does not have access to fresh water, it will soon develop so-called salt poisoning. In fact, a water loss in excess of 15% will, in most cases, result in the pig dying within 48 hours. Symptoms of dehydration in pigs are as follows:

  • Lethargy
  • Less feed intake
  • The pig will not stand up for inspection
  • Insecure, wobbly walk
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pains
  • Dark urine
  • Diarrhea
  • Sunken belly and eyes
  • Blue discoloration of the skin

Chronic dehydration
There are several reasons for chronic dehydration: too low water pressure, defective or too few water valves, or contaminated and thus bad tasting water. It is important to clean the pipes and to be attentive to pig behavior. The symptoms of chronic dehydration are similar to those of acute dehydration, i.e., lethargy and apathy, just as diarrhea and infection of the urinary tract can be symptoms.

If the worst happens
Dehydrated pigs must never be given unlimited access to water, as this will cause cramping and, in the worst case, death. In consequence, one has to reintroduce the pigs to water with limited rations gradually.