Based on results of the producer survey on barn water use, barn cleaning and animal drinking were identified as the areas in the barn where highest water savings can be potentially achieved. The survey also revealed the most common practices associated with water use in the participating barns were the use of nipple drinker, pre-soaking the room prior to cleaning, and high-pressure washing using the conventional nozzle.
Cleaning
As expected, water sprinkling (or soaking) in fully and partially slatted concrete flooring resulted to higher water consumption mainly due to the additional water used during the sprinkling phase. However, significantly more time was needed when washing a partially slatted concrete flooring without sprinkling than with sprinkling. The use of a conventional nozzle led to the lowest water volume consumed and time spent in washing rooms with partially and fully slatted concrete flooring among all test nozzles.
Evaluation of selected water conservation measures involving drinkers and different cleaning procedures revealed that 60% reduction in water wastage was achieved with a drinking trough (with side panel and constant water level) compared to a nipple drinkers. The use of conventional nozzle for pressure washing led to reduced time and water consumption during cleaning.
High pressure washing in fully slatted flooring can be done without prior water sprinkling (soaking). Compared to current conventional practices, the combination of using a drinking trough with side panel and constant water level for animal drinking, pre-soaking, and high-pressure washing with conventional nozzle for cleaning had the greatest potential for cost savings of up to $4.77 per pig arising from reduced overall water use and accumulated manure slurry.
Source: Ontariopork