DeltaFlash #13: Delta® Iron, oral iron
The use of oral iron continues to grow both in France and in Europe. It has a whole host of advantages, including time-saving and technical and economic efficiency. Oral iron also helps to reduce the need for injections.
Deltavit proposes to tackle and respond to the issue of iron deficiency in 2 stages: the neonatal stage (maternity) and the post-weaning stage, while ensuring compliance with regulatory constraints.
In the 1st stage, the main challenge is to ensure that 100% of piglets receive supplements before they are 5 days old. It is estimated that 5% of litters do not receive this supplement.
A 2nd stage of iron shortage occurs in the first few weeks after weaning. This relapse is more insidious, and comparisons between farms are more complicated. Genetics show different potentials, weaning ages and health statuses vary, and so on. Haemoglobin values within the same livestock farming vary widely among the same group.
These data are confirmed by the literature (Perri, 2015).
Evolution of haemoglobin levels since birth
The graph below shows the evolution of haemoglobin levels typically found on farms. The haemoglobin level in the maternity unit is correct, but often drops 3 weeks after weaning
15% of piglets in post-weaning have iron deficiencies
Why do piglets with good haemoglobin values before weaning show a drop during post-weaning? Why are they not all affected? What is the profile of animals at risk of iron deficiency? Here are some explanations…
Reasons for iron deficiency in post-weaning: different possible scenarios and Deltavit protocols
The method of iron administration does not appear to be a risk factor, since post-weaning relapses have been observed with injectable or oral iron (standard protocol: administration in the days following birth).
There are 2 profiles of animals with low haemoglobin values.
- The rather stunted piglets have “retained” delayed growth since maternity and are iron deficient.
- Larger piglets with growth performance above the batch average also sometimes have low haemoglobin values. This phenomenon has also been reported in the literature.
The rapid increase in weight of the best performing piglets seems to “consume” their iron reserves. Their initial stock built up during maternity is diluted as their blood volume increases.
This phenomenon can be illustrated as follows: the birth weight of the piglet is multiplied by 10 within a period of 6 weeks and the iron intake of the newborn is proportionally diluted.
The piglet’s feed intake and the authorised iron concentration in the feed do not seem to cover this shortfall in the peri-weaning stage.
Deltavit protocols for limiting iron deficiency in post-weaning
These protocols increase the average haemoglobin level and boost iron intake in piglets at risk of iron deficiency in the post-weaning stage:
- All injectable: injection in the first days of life + injection before weaning
- All oral: distribution of Delta® Iron in the first days of life (standard protocol) then 2 redistributions one week before weaning (e.g. on D 19 and D 21 for weaning at 28 days).
- Mixed: injection in the first days of life and distribution of Delta® Iron before weaning
Frequently asked questions
- Is it possible to add more iron to piglet feed to avoid deficiencies in post-weaning?
Yes and no! European regulations limit the iron content in piglet feed. High iron concentrations (250mg iron/day/animal) are possible up to one week before weaning. After that, the maximum permitted levels are only 750mg/kg of feed.
- Can I continue to use injectable iron when using Delta® Iron?
Yes, the combination of the 2 methods is possible, the only constraint being the amount of work involved. Following this protocol results in particularly high haemoglobin values during maternity.
- Is it better to use Delta® Iron in troughs or on the floor?
Opinions are divided! Our field tests revealed no difference. As far as troughs are concerned, it is important to make sure they are adapted to the size of the piglets.