Effects of an iron dextran injection at weaning on pigs' blood hemoglobin status and nursery performance

摘要

Iron is a trace element and a vital constituent of hemoglobin (hgb). Piglets are prone to iron deficiency anemia ([hgb] < 9g/dL) as a result of low body iron at birth, inadequate supply of iron from milk, no source of environmental iron, and rapid growth rate.1,2 Injectable iron (200mg, IM) given at day 1 to 3 is generally accepted as the most effective method of preventing piglet anemia.1,3 Studies from within and outside of the University of Guelph have suggested that this single dose may be insufficient to ensure the greatest nursery performance, especially if weaned piglets are slow to adapt to solid food.4"6 The objective of this trial was to assess if iron dextran (200mg, IM, FerroForte~R) given at weaning reduces the risk of iron deficiency anemia in nursery piglets and improves nursery performance (i.e. average daily gain).