Evaluation of the quality of ground water supplies used on Saskatchewan swine farms

Abstract

An extensive survey of well water used on swine farms in Saskatchewan was undertaken as a first step in trying to clarify the apparent disagreement between field and laboratory observations with respect to water quality and pig performance. One hundred and thirty-five wells throughout the province were sampled for a comprehensive chemical analysis; at the same time, a questionnaire concerning pig performance and perceptions of water quality was administered to the well owners. Concentrations of sulphate and total dissolved solids (TDS) were above levels recommended in Canada for livestock in 25.0% and 7.4%, respectively, of the wells. Sodium and chloride were also high in many wells. High levels of trace metals were not observed. Three major groups of wells were discerned: low saline, shallow wells with sulphate being the major contributor to TDS, high saline, deeper wells, also with sulphate being the major contributor to TDS, and high saline, deep wells with sodium the major contributor to TDS. The incidence of minor to moderate scouring in weanlings, as reported by producers, was directly related to TDS, magnesium, calcium and sulphate, but bore no relationship to sodium. The common occurrence of high sulphate water and its apparent link to on-farm scouring in weanlings indicate that sulphate is probably the ion of most concern to Saskatchewan hog producers. Key words: Well water quality, swine, sulphate, scouring

264 Effects of Water Quality on Nursery Pig Performance and Health

“…Scours (diarrhea) are commonly used as an indicator of compromised health status in weanling pigs. Thus, a negative water balance is associated with the presence of scours and commonly occurs in young pigs, as the balance of water within the pig can be interrupted during times of health challenges (Brooks et al, 1984;Stockill, 1990;McLeese et al, 1991). Ultimately, water balance in the pig can be disrupted by any event or process that causes excretion of water to exceed intake of water, resulting in compromised performance and health of pigs.…”

The effects of sodium sulfate in the water of nursery pigs and the efficacy of nonnutritive feed additives to mitigate those effects1,2

“…The most common dis-solved salts contaminating well water throughout North America are sulfates. A survey conducted by McLeese et al (1991) indicated that over 25% of wells in Saskatchewan used for swine production have concentrations greater than 1,000 mg/L. Another survey in Ohio (Veenhuizen, 1993) concluded that wells ranged in concentrations of 6 to 1,629 mg/L sulfate.…”

Impact of Sulphate Levels in Swine Drinking Water on Manure Nutrients and Emissions

“…Drinking water can contribute significantly to sulphur intake of pigs. One major source is the sulphate content in water supplies, which has been found to exceed 1600 mg/L in certain geographic areas (McLeese et al, 1991;Veenhuizen, 1993). Studies showed that pigs offered water with increased sulphate levels (up to 1800 mg/L) had increased prevalence of nonpathogenic diarrhea (Veenhuizen et al, 1992).…”