Evaluation of the Efficacy of Perorally Administered Glutamic Acid‐Chelated Iron and Iron‐Dextran Injected Subcutaneously in Duroc and Norwegian Landrace Piglets

Abstract

The goals of this study were to evaluate the effect of orally administered amino acid-chelated iron (Fe) compared to injected Fe-dextran on haematology and weight gain in two different breeds raised under commercial condnions. Altogether 92 Duroc (D) pigs and 84 Norwegian Landrace (L) pigs from two different herds were included in the study. The day after birth the litters were divided in two groups (split litters). Group (Gr.) 1 was given 4ml of a 50% solution of super Fe-MAX@ (52 mg glutamic acid-chelated Fe in a water solution) orally, while Gr. 2 was subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with Idofer@ (18Omg Fe as ferridextran). Until weaning at 5 weeks, all the piglets had free access to a 3% solution of Super Fe-MAX@ (0.78 mg Fe/ml), access to pelleted food being given from 1 week of age. The piglets were weighed and bled before treatment the day after birth (day 1) and on days 4,7, 14,21 and 35. All piglets were weighed on days 28 and 49, whle 72 of the L pigs were also weighed on days 77,98 and 11 9. At weaning D pigs in Gr. 1 and Gr. 2 had a mean body weight of 8.64 kg and 8.30 kg, respectively, the corresponding figures for the L pigs being 10.82 kg and 10.34 kg. As regards the 72 L pigs followed to day 119, the mean weight in Gr. 1 and Gr. 2 was 80.6 kg and 80.2 kg, respectively. A significantly lower weight gain in the piglets with a birth weight below 1.2 kg in Gr. 2 compared with Gr. 1 indicated that excess administration of Fe to small piglets may have a detrimental effect on weight p n . From day 7 (D pigs) and on days 14 and 21 (L pigs), Gr. 2 had a significantly higher haemoglobin concentration (Hb) than Gr. 1. Nevertheless, Hb levels were also adequate in Gr. 1 in both breeds. There was a negative correlation between changes in Hb during the first weeks and the initial value. Though haematological values seemed to show inter-breed differences, with higher average erythrocyte counts (RBC) and Hb and lower mean cell volume (MCV) in the D pigs, the ability to avoid Fe deficiency nevertheless appeared to be the same in both breeds.

Benefits and Risks of Iron Supplementation in Anemic Neonatal Pigs

“…43 Several cases of iron toxicity have been reported on the commonly practiced administration of large amounts of FeDex in a single intramuscular injection. 28,44 To optimize efficacy in correcting IDA, and minimize iron toxicity and Hepc synthesis we have tested a split supplementation protocol by which to give exogenous iron to piglets at an early age. Our results clearly show that this modified parenteral FeDex therapy satisfies all of the requirements of a method for administering iron to piglets.…”

Parenteral iron administration in suckling piglets – a review

“…Von Bollwahn (1983) found that 40 mg of iron is required for 1 kg of body weight gain. According to Egeli and Framstad (1998), 35-40 mg Fe/kg weight gain is necessary if haemoglobin levels are to be maintained at 100 g/l.…”

“…The use of new genetic lines and changes in management techniques have raised concerns about the efficacy and safety of this method. For instance, Egeli (1998) found that piglets injected with 180 mg iron on the first day of life had relatively low haemoglobin values on days 21 and 35. This indicates that iron reserves were beginning to become depleted.…”

Impact of Feeding High-Iron Rice on Plasma Iron, Hemoglobin and Red Blood Cell Variables of Early-Weaned Piglets

“…On day 2 postpartum, piglets routinely received an intramuscular or oral administration of iron dextran to protect them from ID [35,36]. This iron depot allows piglets to maintain normal iron status parameters until weeks 3 or 4 of life.…”

“…This iron depot allows piglets to maintain normal iron status parameters until weeks 3 or 4 of life. Afterwards, piglets without access to an ironrich feed quickly develop severe ID [36]. ID is a potent somatic stimulator for food iron absorption.…”