Impacts of nipple drinker position on water intake, water wastage and drinkingduration of pigs

Abstract

Water determines the life quality of pigs, however, adequate measures need to be taken in order to reduce wastage while the animals are drinking. The current study hypothesized and examined a suitable position at which to fix the nipple drinker to provide sufficient drinking water to pigs while also limiting water wastage. Additionally, this study describes both the drinking pattern and drinking duration of pigs. The height to place the drinker was calculated based on the neck movement of the pigs (neck movement angle, NMA). According to the NMA, 3 independent treatments were investigated with angles placed at clockwise 30°, 0°, and counter clockwise 30°. These positions will be correspondingly referred to as T1, T2, and T3, respectively. To understand the diurnal drinking pattern and drinking duration, along with each pig's drinking cycle, the number of visits to the drinker was recorded with a camera. The outcome shows that T3 had less water wastage and a higher average daily gain compared to T1 and T2. Further, the number of visits to the drinker and drinking duration were affected by the treatments. The research affirmed that the nipple drinker with a counter clockwise 30° angle at a proper height is the best at reducing water wastage for finishing pigs. Correspondingly, the T3 treatment might create opportunities to drink more water in group housed pigs.

Machine Learning-Based Microclimate Model for Indoor Air Temperature and Relative Humidity Prediction in a Swine Building

“…The current study was conducted at a model swine building located in Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-Si, the Republic of Korea, with 2.9 m width × 5.4 m length × 0.05 m thick roofs as shown in Figure 1 . The GPS coordinates for the site was 35°09′6.26″ N, 128°05′43.838″ E [ 23 ]. The heat conduction is diminished by over 40% while utilizing slatted floors compared to the concrete floors in a naturally ventilated pig barn [ 24 ].…”

The Application of Cameras in Precision Pig Farming: An Overview for Swine-Keeping Professionals

“…Most commercial pig farms choose one or more nipple drinkers for the water supply in one pen rather than bowls. The problem begins if a pig is playing in a nipple drinker; the other pigs have to put up a fight or remain thirsty [ 13 , 105 ]. To provide an adequate water supply for every pig, the drinking duration and number of visits should be monitored.…”

“…To provide an adequate water supply for every pig, the drinking duration and number of visits should be monitored. A previous study observed the drinking duration and number of visits to the nipple drinker using a camera, but it was watched by human resources rather than automatically [ 105 ]. However, some studies were conducted to detect the drinking behavior through electronic methods [ 13 , 19 , 108 , 109 ].…”

“…Numerous studies have shown that the growth rate is significantly affected if both are not available in the right proportions. Without proper nutrition, the animals can become depressed and are vulnerable to outbursts such as fighting among themselves [12,[102][103][104][105][106][107]. Water and food are interdependent and linearly related; food behavior, especially, depends on water intake [105].…”

“…Without proper nutrition, the animals can become depressed and are vulnerable to outbursts such as fighting among themselves [12,[102][103][104][105][106][107]. Water and food are interdependent and linearly related; food behavior, especially, depends on water intake [105]. The eating habits of pigs determine their growth rate and indicate numerous characteristics such as their disease affect, early detection of disease, and mood [106].…”