Water: the forgotten nutrient in the swine industry

​Water is an essential nutrient to the individual pig’s welfare. Although it is inexpensive to provide, water is often the most neglected nutrient. Water comprises approximately 80% of body weight at birth and decreases to 50% in a finished market pig. Withholding water from a pig for longer than 24 hours results in water deprivation or salt poisoning. In addition, losing 10% or more of body water leads to severe dehydration and death. In this article we will discuss water function and qual