Effects of Supplementing Dextran Iron (Blood Vitamin Phosphorus) on Farrowing Piglets

Trace element iron is very important for piglets; the body's iron content directly affects their growth performance, normal metabolism, and physiological defense functions. Iron deficiency anemia in piglets can cause lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, slow growth, and even sudden death in faster-growing piglets due to insufficient oxygen supply. Currently, in production, iron injections are usually given to piglets at 1 to 3 days old to prevent iron deficiency, with significant effects. With the development of pig farming and iron supplement research, some researchers have found that intramuscular injection of dextran iron, a non-intestinal route, is more effective for iron supplementation than adding it to feed.

1: Iron Supplementation for Lactating Sows

Iron is very important for maintaining normal pregnancy and embryo development in sows. Maternal plasma is the only source of iron for the fetus. A large amount of iron in the sow's body is transported to the fetus through the placenta, prioritizing the fetus's supply needs. When the daily absorbed iron is insufficient to meet the fetus's needs, stored iron in the body is used, making the sow prone to iron deficiency anemia, which in turn affects the sow's estrus rate and conception rate after weaning and the growth and development of piglets. Here, we can add "Fu Xue Bao" to the sow's feed. "Fu Xue Bao" contains trace elements such as organic iron, ferrous glycinate, ferrous fumarate, and traditional Chinese medicines like astragalus, codonopsis, angelica, and atractylodes. From day 85 of pregnancy to weaning, add 1000g per ton of feed, or feed separately 10g per sow per day for five days after weaning to supplement iron and blood qi, suitable for sows with iron deficiency and postpartum blood qi deficiency.

2: Effects of Iron Supplementation on Hemoglobin Content and Weight Gain in Lactating Piglets

Studies have found that injecting dextran iron (6 mL per sow) into sows 30 to 40 days before delivery, combined with intramuscular injection of dextran iron in lactating piglets, significantly increases piglets' hemoglobin content and daily weight gain compared to the control group (no iron injection for sows or piglets). The best effect is achieved by intramuscular supplementation in both pregnant sows and piglets.

3: Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Sows and Piglets and Methods of Iron Supplementation

All farmers and veterinary practitioners know that iron deficiency anemia in piglets is caused by rapid growth and development, leading to a high demand for iron. If the lactating piglets' diet lacks iron or supply is untimely, it affects hemoglobin production, causing low hemoglobin levels and reduced red blood cell count, resulting in iron deficiency anemia. How to prevent iron deficiency anemia in piglets has become our research topic. Below, I introduce the causes and iron supplementation methods for piglet iron deficiency anemia:

① Timing and Methods of Iron Supplementation for Piglets

1. Choice of Iron Supplementation Timing

Iron deficiency anemia in piglets mainly occurs between 5 and 21 days of age during lactation, so iron supplementation should be done before iron deficiency appears. Two iron supplements are given at 3 days and 15 days of age.

2. Choice of Iron Dosage

The iron dosage for newborn piglets is 1.5ml to 2ml twice. Too little cannot meet the body's needs, while too much may cause strong toxic side effects.

3. Choice of Iron Supplementation Method

Currently, the main clinical methods are feed mixing and intramuscular injection.

Both methods exist, but intramuscular injection is commonly used and more effective.

4. Usage:

Injection into the inner thigh and neck muscles.

5. Misconceptions about Iron Supplementation: "Why supplement iron twice? Isn't once enough?"
Answer: Although a single iron supplement (150mg-200mg) can temporarily meet growth iron needs, it cannot promote development, especially in late lactation; iron deficiency may still occur before 30 days of age. Two iron supplements result in higher daily weight gain and survival rates than one, and reduce the incidence of white scour. The reference dose for each iron supplement is 150mg.

② Timing and Methods of Iron Supplementation for Sows

Add 1000g of "Fu Xue Bao" per ton of feed from day 85 of pregnancy to weaning.

Orally administer 10g per sow per day for 5-7 consecutive days starting five days after weaning.

4: Attention to Allergic Reactions After Iron Supplementation

Allergic reactions generally appear 5-10 minutes after piglets receive iron injections, within 2 hours. Symptoms include fever, rapid breathing, foaming at the mouth, skin redness, screaming, convulsions, shock, and death. Solution: Prepare adrenaline before iron supplementation. If allergic reactions occur, immediately inject 1mg adrenaline per piglet; recovery usually occurs within about 2 hours. Severe pigs can be treated with 100mg vitamin C injection.

Conclusion: Intramuscular injection of dextran iron before delivery significantly improves hemoglobin content in lactating sows and piglets and piglet weight gain. As long as farmers master the correct iron supplementation methods and choose the right iron drugs and dosages, iron deficiency anemia in piglets can definitely be prevented.