Evaluation of the effectiveness of carbonyl iron orally in the iron supplementation in piglets

Iron is an essential mineral for composition of blood cells, muscle and various enzymes and it is directly related to the cellular respiration of the body, as well as enzymatic reactions and immune cells in the animal organism (1). The current system of intensive pig farming deprives the animal’s access to soil, the main natural source of iron supplementation for this species. In order to prevent iron deficiency anemia cases, it is recommended the application of dextran iron injection at the 3rd day of life of piglets.

However, this management practice can bring a lot of inconveniences to the development of these animals. In the practice of human medicine for over 3 decades is made of iron supplementation with oral presentations (capsules and tablets) in order to prevent various types of anemia. One of the molecules of iron commonly used for this purpose is the carbonyl iron, due to its high content if organic iron available and high intestinal absorption (2). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of iron carbonyl orally in the iron supplementation in piglets.

Fernando M. Toledano¹ Jose Cristani² Mere E. Saito² Rogerio F. Nunes¹ Thiago K. Valerio¹ Priscyla C. Silva²

1. Ouro Fino Saúde Animal, Cravinhos, SP, Brazil; 2. Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages, SC, Brazil

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