Water Intake and Kidney Stones in Pigs Go Hand in Hand
Research conducted by Royal GD revealed that the mortality of weaned piglets at a breeding farm was caused by kidney stones in the urethra. The farm faced 3 to 4 percent additional losses and wanted to identify the cause. Mortality was particularly prevalent among weaned boars weighing between 15 and 20 kilograms [1].
Insufficient Water Intake and Kidney Stones
Inadequate water intake is one of the risk factors for kidney stones in pigs. Insufficient drinking can lead to highly concentrated urine, as excess uric acid accumulates. Normally, pigs excrete uric acid via the kidneys, but an excessive amount of uric acid can have adverse effects on their bodies. This high concentration can result in urinary sediment, which consists of insoluble particles in the urine, such as cells, crystals, or bacteria. This crystal formation is referred to as kidney stones [2].
Accumulation of Kidney Stones
Male pigs have a longer and narrower urethra compared to female piglets, increasing their risk of kidney stone accumulation. Under normal circumstances, these crystals are excreted via the urine. However, an excessive amount can lead to blockages. This accumulation can cause the pig’s bladder to rupture, resulting in leakage. This leakage can trigger infections throughout the pig’s body and may ultimately be fatal.
Drinking Water Quality is Crucial for Adequate Water Consumption
Encouraging pigs to drink more water reduces the risk of kidney stones. When water is clean and of good quality, pigs are more likely to drink. Therefore, it is advisable to provide microbiologically clean water for your animals, ensuring they consume water of optimal quality. Clean water not only helps prevent kidney stones but also reduces the risk of infections such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Pseudomonas, along with other health issues.
From this blog, it is clear that proper water intake reduces the risk of kidney stones in pigs by encouraging higher water consumption. This testimonial provides a good example of pigs drinking better when given clean water. Would you like to learn more about our sustainable drinking water disinfection solutions for your pigs? Our professionals are happy to assist you. Schedule a free consultation.
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About the author
Jantiena Lamberink
Jantiena is a microbiologist at Watter, primarily focused on scientific research within our research department. She monitors the overall health of livestock and contributes to various ongoing research projects. Jantiena conducts farm visits and provides advice on our disinfection solutions based on her expertise. Through her work, she plays a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness and applicability of our solutions in real-world agricultural settings.