Supplemental iron dextran injections: Influence on hemoglobin concentrations and piglet growth

Abstract

This case study assessed effectiveness of protocols for iron dextran administration on hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in pigs and evaluated the effect of supplemental iron dextran injections prior to weaning on subsequent body weights (BW). Whole blood samples and body weights were collected from piglets at 14 days of age in four farms and at 27 days of age in the fifth farm. For Farms 1 to 3, six piglets per litter were matched by BW to provide a pair of heavy weight (HW) piglets, medium weight (MW) piglets, and light weight (LW) piglets in each litter. For Farms 4 and 5, MW piglets were not included. One piglet from each pair was injected intramuscularly with 200 mg iron dextran immediately after blood collection (treatment pigs). The other piglet in each pair served as the control. At 3 weeks after weaning, pigs were weighed and whole blood samples were collected to determine Hb concentrations. At 14 days of age and after weaning, the results were inconsistent among the farms. Prior to recommending supplemental iron injections for pigs, one must evaluate the existing on-farm protocol for iron administration.