Why do piglets need iron and selenium supplementation? Detailed explanation of reasons and methods

Piglets refer to newborn pigs that have just been born and continue growing until they reach about 30 kg; all are called piglets. The physiological characteristics of piglets are poor tolerance to low temperatures, incomplete digestive function, and lack of innate immunity, but they grow and develop rapidly. If the feed is insufficient in nutrients, especially the trace elements iron and selenium, it may cause anemia, diarrhea, or reduced disease resistance in piglets. Therefore, when raising piglets, special attention must be paid to supplementing iron and selenium.

I. Reasons for iron and selenium supplementation in piglets.

1. Piglets have insufficient iron reserves in the body at birth. At birth, piglets have only about 50 mg of iron stored in the body, while their daily iron requirement is 10 mg. Newborn piglets cannot get enough iron nutrition from breast milk, and breast milk can supply only 1 mg per day. If iron is not supplemented in time, it easily causes iron deficiency anemia in piglets.

2. At present, most feed manufacturers use high copper to promote growth, which seriously affects iron absorption.

3. Iron deficiency can lead to lowered immune function.

4. Selenium is a component of the glutathione enzyme system and plays a very important role in the intracellular antioxidant mechanism. Selenium deficiency will prevent cells from effectively neutralizing free radicals and cause them to be damaged. Selenium plays an important role in maintaining the immune system, which consumes a high amount of oxygen.

5. Because piglets are often deficient in selenium at weaning, and selenium deficiency can lead to the occurrence of mulberry heart disease.

6. Piglets deficient in selenium are prone to white muscle disease and liver necrosis.

II. Methods for iron and selenium supplementation in piglets.

1. Iron supplementation: piglets should begin iron supplementation from 2-3 days after birth. Commonly used methods are: first, intramuscular injection of iron injection (iron dextran, dextran iron preparations, etc.), 150 mg per piglet injected into the neck muscle; second, oral iron-copper mixture, using ferrous sulfate 2.5 g, cobalt chloride 2.5 g, copper sulfate 1 g, yeast powder 10 g, dissolved in water and made up to 1000 mL, mixed and filtered through gauze, 0.25 mL/kg body weight, orally or applied to the sow's teats, or mixed into piglet feed and drinking water; third, place clean loess or red soil in the pen for piglets to lick freely.

2. Selenium supplementation: piglets should begin selenium supplementation from 3-5 days after birth. Commonly used methods are: first, intramuscular injection of selenium injection. Selenium and vitamin E have a synergistic antioxidant effect. A 0.1% sodium selenite solution, 1 mL per piglet, and vitamin E 1-2 mL can be injected intramuscularly; second, choose a selenium-containing iron supplement mixture to supplement both iron and selenium; or inject 1 mL of Fetie Li (containing iron 150 mg and sodium selenite 1 mg) intramuscularly. Long Zhaohui