Little pigs should have a constant source of high quality water and accessable drinkers.

Getting pigs started on water is an important part of the transition from the sow to the nursery or a wean-to-finish barn. If pigs lag in growth early in the feeding period, growth and uniformity may likely be affected later.

"If they don't start to eat well, we'll start to see more separation of the sizes with group," says Dr. Paul Yeske, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, MN. Water intake promotes feed consumption. "If they don't drink, they won't eat," Yeske says.

Dr. James Lowe, Carthage Veterinary Service, Carthage, IL, agrees. "Whenever we see pigs that don't start on feed, -we must determine 'Did they get adequate water quickly? He says that if pigs don't get water within 12 hours after weaning, they look "markedly dehydrated" with signs such as gauntness and wrinkled skin that's not as pliable as well-hydrated pigs.

"Sometimes the biggest weaned pigs have the hardest time," says Yeske. He says the sow likely met their needs in the farrowing barn, so they weren't as apt to seek fluids from other sources in the crate. "Sometimes smaller pigs may actually take off better," says Yeske.

Lowe lists the following factors for success in getting pigs started on water in nurseries and wean-to-finish barns:

• accessible drinkers;
• constant source of water, and
• high quality water.

Drinkers should be placed in the pens so "pigs don't have to look very hard," says Lowe. He says pigs naturally nose around to figure out their environments "If they stick their face in the water, they'll find it quickly."

Lowe recommends cup waterers because the water is constantly available and the pigs don't have to learn to operate them. "If pigs have to go and find a nipple and learn how to use it to get a drink, we've had more difficulty," says Lowe.

Water quality is also important. Lowe tells producers to make sure water is free from foul odors or pungent tastes. He doesn't routinely recommend adding electrolytes or other treatments unless pigs are showing signs of clinical problems.

"Ideally, we want little pigs to drink within minutes after entry," says Lowe. If they don't find water soon after arrival, pigs may face a situation '*here they don't want to eat, and they become really quite depressed," he says.