MINERAL AND NITRATE CONTENT OF SWINE DRINKING-WATER IN FOUR QUEBEC REGIONS

A water quality survey of 83 hog farms was conducted in four swine-producing regions of Quebec. Samples were collected from the tap in the piggeries. The mineral content of drinking water varied considerably from farm to farm within regions. In general, drinking water was alkaline and nitrate concentrations were below toxic levels. The drinking water alone could supply up to 20% of a gestating sow's mineral requirements. In some cases (3.6 and 23%), sodium and copper requirements would be exceeded. Key words: Hog, drinking water, minerals, nitrates