Adequate clean water access is a fundamental welfare need for pigs that is sometimes compromised by inadequate drinker provision, competition, and poor water quality management.
Water deprivation is one of the most acute welfare emergencies possible in farm animal management — pigs deprived of water deteriorate rapidly with thirst being among the most distressing experiences any mammal can have. Even partial restriction from competition at drinkers has welfare consequences for subordinate animals who cannot access water freely. Drinker systems that malfunction can cause unreported deprivation affecting entire pens before stockpeople notice. Regular monitoring of water delivery systems, adequate drinker provision to eliminate competition, and water quality management are minimum requirements for meeting this most fundamental of pig welfare needs.