Effect of Oral Administration of Fe2+-Fumarate on Erythrocyte Profile and Growth Rate of Suckling Piglets

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate efficiency of oral administration of Fe2+-fumarate in form of paste in preventing iron deficiency anaemia of suckling piglets. Piglets in group 1 (n = 20) were given 200 mg Fe2+-fumarate on days 6 and 11 after birth. Piglets in group 2 (n = 20) were given 200 mg Fe3+-dextran i.m. on day 3. A group of piglets (group 3, n = 10) treated with Fe3+-dextran on day 21 was included in the study. All piglets had free access to weaning pellets (124 mg Fe/kg). Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), erythrocyte count (RBC), MCV, MCH and MCHC, body weight (BW) and daily weight gain (DWG) were determined. On day 6, haemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume were significantly lower in group 1 compared to group 2 (P < 0.05). On days 14, 21, 28, and 35 no significant differences in examined indices were found between group 1 and group 2 and all indices were comparable to physiological values. Haematological indices of group 3 were characteristic for hypochromic anaemia. Anaemia in group 3 had detrimental effect on growth rate of piglets. Supplementation of Fe to piglets with Fe2+-fumarate under conditions of this trial was efficient in preventing anaemia and was comparable to i.m. administration of Fe3+-dextran.