Water Usage in Finishing Facilities: Wet/Dry Feeders Versus Dry Feeders with Nipple Waterers

Abstract

<p>Water usage was measured in swine finishing facilities containing wet/dry tube feeders and more traditional dry feeders with nipple waterers. Comparisons of groups finished with the two systems show a trend toward a reduction in water wastage of 17.2%. A water efficiency is introduced that shows a reduction of 0.27 gal/lb gain. Pigs finished using wet/dry feeders also had a poorer feed efficiency. Due to lack of replications of this on-farm trial, statistical analysis was not practical.</p>