Iron is a component of haemoglobin, a protein that red blood cells require to transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. If your animal has low levels of iron, blood cannot carry adequate oxygen to tissues and organs. Consequently, the animal may develop anaemia. The condition negatively affects the immune response, body condition, and animal welfare.
Lactating piglets are susceptible to anaemia due to iron deficiency. They are born with around 40mg which can only last them for a few days. Unfortunately, natural sources of iron are limited especially in commercial farms. Even colostrum and milk won’t provide adequate iron to meet the piglet’s dairy requirements of 7-16 mg/day. A litre of sow milk can only provide around 1.5mg of iron. Therefore, pig farmers in Kenya should consider iron supplementation.
Diagnosis of Anaemia in Pigs
An iron deficient piglet may exhibit the following signs:
- Ill-thrift (piglets have slower growth than expected on a known amount of feed)
- Poor weight gain
- Paleness of the mucosae
- Diarrhoea
- Piglet breath faster to make up for the reduced oxygen carrying capacity (tachypnea)
When the anaemic condition is severe, the piglet may die and will have:
- Liquid leaking out of blood vessels (oedema) in the joints, muscles and joints
- Thin heart walls
- If the piglet makes it to weaning but die soon after, it usually has an enlarged heart
Whether your piglet is anaemic (displays clinical signs of anaemia) or subanaemic (does not exhibit clinical signs of anaemia), you should administer an iron supplement.
Subanaemic piglets usually have haemoglobin levels of 9g/dl while anaemic pigs have haemoglobin levels of 9g/dl and below. If piglets do not get iron supplements by day six, the haemoglobin level may drop to 7 g/dl.
Advantages of Administering Iron Injections to Piglets
Below are the benefits of giving iron to your piglets:
Prevent Anemia
Piglets have limited iron reserves at birth. The sow’s milk does not provide adequate iron to meet their requirements. Iron supplementation helps prevent or treat anaemia, a condition that can slow growth, cause weakness and increase susceptibility to infections.
Improve Immunity
Iron helps in the development and functioning of cells in the immune system. Piglets with enough iron levels can resist and combat infections thus will be healthier and stronger.
Reduce Mortality Rates
Iron deficiency can cause mortality in piglets. Administering iron ensure the piglets have the required iron levels for healthy and physiological functions.
Improve Feed Efficiency
Piglets with adequate iron are more likely to use the nutrients in their feed efficiently. The improved feed efficiency boost growth rates and reduce feed costs.
Enhance Muscle Development
Iron is critical in different metabolic process such as those related to muscle development. Piglets with adequate iron levels have better muscle growth and overall body condition.
Improve Growth Rates
Haemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to various organs and parts of the body. Iron is crucial component of haemoglobin. When piglets have enough iron reserves, they have better oxygen transport which is important for energy metabolism and overall growth.
Prevention & Treatment of Piglet Anaemia
Prevention and treatment of iron deficiency should be on every pig farmer’s checklist. Anaemic piglets have increased mortality. If they survive, they have a lower average daily weight gain. Subanaemic pigs may survive but will have a suboptimal performance.
You need to administer iron supplements at least before the piglet depletes its iron reserves. Generally, that means during the first three days of life. The most effective way to give iron supplements is through injection. An injection ensures the piglet receives the right dosage, unlike oral administration in feed and water. Contact your local vet profession for advice and administration.