Water consumption and waste production during different production stages in swine operations

Abstract

This study was initiated to quantify and update values used by the swine industry and regulatory authorities for water consumption and waste production for swine operations using different management practices in Bulgaria. A second objective was to apportion total water usage and total waste production into components according to the stage of production and function. The following conclusions were drawn from the data collected. Total water consumption for all production phases and functions was at average of 68,4 litres/sow/day. Half of total water consumption was 53,2% for animal drinking and a remainder (46,8%)as used for cleaning of the floor, washing and domestic use. he grownish production stage accounted for the highest portion of total herd use (47,7 %), followed by farrowing (19,5%), gestation (18,5%) and weaned pigs (1 4,2 %). Daily waste production rates in each production stage were very similar to daily drinking water usage rates (excluding dry cleaning sows). The grownish production stage accounted for the highest portion of total herd waste production (60,1 %), followed by farrowing (11%), gestation (18,1%) and weaned pigs (16,3 %). Average daily waste production rates in each phase were ely higher than those stated in published guidelines or codes. Opportunities exist to reduce total water usage in swine operations. Most of this reduction could be achieved in the grow/finish and gestation production stages by altering management practices and focusing on water-saving drinking equipment. There is a need for a targeted research and extension effort in order to achieve ate and substantial water usage and waste production savings in swine operations.