PSIV-12 Effects of an additional iron injection administered to piglets before weaning

Abstract

Abstract Advancements in genetics have led to an increase in growth rates of nursing piglets. Previous studies have suggested that the common 100–200 mg Fe injection shortly after birth is not sufficient to prevent anemia for all pigs throughout the suckling and nursery phases, more so for heavy (fast-growing) piglets. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the growth performance and hematological effects of supplementing an additional iron injection 4 days before weaning. A total of 136 crossbred pigs from 20 litters with an initial BW of 5.48 ± 1.08 kg were assigned to either the control or an added-injection treatment. All pigs had received a 150 mg Fe intramuscular (IM) injection 1 d after birth. The added-injection group received an additional 150 mg Fe IM injection 4 days before weaning. Pigs were weaned at 18–24 days. All pigs received a common nursery diet, formulated to meet or exceed the NRC (2012) requirement estimates. Body weight and feed disappearance were recorded weekly. Blood and tissue samples were collected at pre-wean (-4), weaning (0), 14, and 28 days in the nursery. All data were subjected to ANOVA by the GLM procedure of SAS. Hemoglobin concentration was greater at weaning (12.1 vs. 10.3 g/dL, P < 0.0001) and 14 d (11.9 vs. 11.5 g/dL, P = 0.016) for the added-injection treatment. Added-injection pigs had a greater overall ADG (526 vs. 498 g, P = 0.033) for the experiment. Added-injection pigs also had a greater liver Fe concentration at weaning (36.6 vs. 11.7 mg/kg of liver, P = 0.009). In conclusion, an additional 150 mg Fe injection administered 4 d before weaning increased blood and liver iron status at weaning as well as improved ADG in the nursery.