How to Keep Weaned Pigs Hydrated
Weaning is a stressful time for pigs. One of the first things they should do after moving to the weaning facility is find water and drink. Unfortunately, stress from new surroundings, transport, and penmates can delay hydration. Without intervention, dehydration slows growth and causes setbacks.
Dehydration is a major challenge for newly weaned pigs. Statistics reveal that only 51% of pigs drink water in the first 25 hours post-weaning. Young pigs are about 70% water, so keeping them hydrated is essential. Early water and feed intake directly influence performance in the first 40 days after weaning and beyond.
Keep Weaned Pigs Hydrated: Three actionable tips to promote proper hydration and support their long-term success.
1. Ensure Adequate Water Access
Weaned pigs need 0.3 gallons of water per pound of feed consumed, or about 0.7 gallons per day. Provide one waterer for every 10 pigs to ensure accessibility.
Check water quality, temperature, and flow rate before pigs arrive. Aim for a flow rate of 1 pint per minute in the nursery and 1 quart per minute during finishing.
2. Support Hydration During Weaning
Stress can reduce water intake during the transition to weaning. Hydration solutions with essential nutrients can minimize performance lags.
Use UltraCare® Swine Electrolyte through water medicators before and after weaning. Offer UltraCare® Gel and highly palatable starter feeds to encourage feed and water intake.
Electrolytes with sodium, chloride, magnesium, vitamins, and acidifiers balance the gut and promote hydration. Studies show early weaned pigs drink four times more water when given electrolytes compared to untreated water. Gel feeding also boosts feed intake during the critical first week.
Provide electrolytes for 5–7 days post-weaning and during high-stress periods. Mat-feed gel two days before weaning and for five days after. Early hydration creates eaters and supports long-term growth.
3. Manage Hydration During Stress
Health challenges like diarrhea often cause dehydration in pigs. Diarrhea depletes electrolytes and damages gut villi, reducing nutrient absorption.
Electrolytes and gel products help pigs recover by restoring nutrients and water balance. Use these tools during transport, vaccination, or disease outbreaks to help keep weaned pigs hydrated.
Proper hydration is essential throughout every stage of production. Ensuring adequate water intake and offering the necessary support are key to maintaining efficiency and well-being.