Why do newborn piglets need iron supplementation? Detailed explanation of iron supplementation timing and frequency
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Hehe, it is easily absorbed
After piglets are born, because the iron content in sow's milk is low, iron deficiency in young livestock is a common phenomenon. Among various livestock species, iron deficiency is most prominent in piglets.
Iron supplementation methods
It is best to supplement iron twice. First, piglets must receive one iron supplementation within 3 days after birth, and then a second one at around 17 days. Clinical studies have shown that the iron reserves of piglets at birth, iron supplemented within 3 days, and iron obtained from sow's milk will be completely depleted at around 17 days, so it is necessary to carry out a second iron supplementation. The results showed that within 15 days after weaning, the average weight gain of piglets increased by 20 g/d, and 150-200 mg of iron was added at 17 days of age. Iron supplementation also has a significant effect on the growth of weaned piglets from high-yielding sows.
For iron supplementation, needles and syringes must be sterilized, the injection needle should be thin and long (8-9 gauge), and the injection should be given deep intramuscularly. Several injections are needed for one litter of pigs, and the injection site should be disinfected with alcohol. Iron threonine can be given to sows as a substitute for iron supplementation. Unlike other inorganic iron agents, iron threonine is a chelate of threonine and iron, because the amino acids that make up fetal body proteins can easily pass through the sow's placental barrier to the fetus, and can also be passed to piglets through the mammary gland. Therefore, adding iron threonine to the diets of pregnant sows and lactating sows can achieve the purpose of iron supplementation for piglets and fetuses. Adding 0.15% gives the best effect. The above iron supplementation method, injection method, accurate dosage, convenience, fast action, increased hemoglobin, and daily weight gain of piglets are all superior to other iron supplementation methods.
Precautions for iron supplementation operations
The dosage of iron should be appropriate: an insufficient dosage of iron cannot achieve the purpose of iron supplementation, and excessive iron will inhibit the absorption of other trace elements in the intestinal tract. Excessive absorption of iron can be deposited in certain organs in the body, such as the heart, liver, pancreas, etc., which will lead to hemoglobin deposition. During iron supplementation, do not use the following drugs: such as preparations containing aluminum, magnesium, and calcium, which can form insoluble complexes or precipitates in the intestinal tract. For example, tetracycline and iron will form complexes; chloramphenicol can reduce or render iron ineffective; potassium iodide, carbonates, tannins, and other substances can form precipitates with iron; vitamin E can bind iron and make it ineffective. During iron supplementation in piglets, these drugs should not be taken at the same time.
When using ferrous sulfate for iron supplementation, prevent piglet poisoning: when using ferrous sulfate, after opening the bottle, grind it into a fine powder and use it immediately, because ferrous sulfate cannot be left in the air for a long time, and prolonged standing will oxidize it into toxic high-valence iron, and piglets will be poisoned after taking it.