Angel Francisco de Grau  , Catherine E. Dewey  , Tina .M. Widowski  , Robert .M. Friendship  , Cornelius FM de Lange  , Barry Milligana  , 
    Reducing Weight Variation and Behaviour Problems in Nursery Pigs on a Commercial Farm by Improving Water Accessibility and Providing Environmental Enrichment,
    Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances,
    Volume 4,Issue 1,
    2005,
    Pages 51-57,
    ISSN 1680-5593,
    javaa.2005.51.57,
    (https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=javaa.2005.51.57)
    Abstract: The objectives of this study were to determine whether provision of additional water via wet/dry feeders, and use of chains as distractors, improves performance and reduces ear biting in nursery pigs. The study was based on a 2 ? 2 factorial design, with provision of additional water in wet/dry feeders and chains as the main factors. A single nipple drinker was provided in each pen of 35 to 40 pigs. In 36 of the 66 pens, wet/dry feeders were not connected to the water line, and in 30 pens, wet/dry feeders provided additional water. Chains were provided in alternate pens. Pigs were individually weighed and assigned an ear score at weaning (approximately 3 wk of age) and at approximately 8 wk of age. Piglets in 48 pens were videotaped for 24 h on days 7, 14, and 21 post-weaning, using black-and-white time-lapse video equipment. The numbers of pigs drinking, feeding, and interacting with the chain were recorded. There was less variation in ADG (P<.001) in groups with additional water. The incidence of ear lesions was lower in pens with a chain (P=.01) and higher in heavier pigs (P<.01), but was not affected by use of wet/dry feeding (P=.53).
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