Watering systems and behaviour of pigs during 24 h transport

The aim of this work was to determine the quantity of water used by pigs during 24 h transport according to four types of watering (trough/ tube/ bowl/ none), together with the degree of dehydration of the pigs and their behaviour during the transport. Overall, the presence of a watering system during long transport (24 h)without food did not have a marked impact on physiological and ethological criteria. In extreme conditions the presence of water is, however, desirable in view of the water consumption and live weight loss. Sprayingmight be beneficial in very hot conditions. The tube drinker system seems to be the best option because it enables the animals to drink unsoiled water. To reduce waste the tube drinker has to be properly set.