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

This case study assessed efectiveness of protocols for iron dextran administration on hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in pigs and evaluated the efect 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 ith 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 ater blood collection (treatment pigs). he other piglet in each pair served as the control. At 3 weeks ater weaning, pigs were weighed and whole blood samples were collected to determine Hb concentrations. At 14 days of age and ater 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.