Iron Requirement of Pigs Farrowed in Metal Farrowing Stalls

Pigs farrowed and reared in metal farrowing stalls were studied to determine the need for iron. Three treatments were studied, namely—T-O (pigs given no iron injection), T-1 (pigs given 1 iron-dextran injection at 2 days of age) and T-2 (pigs given 2 injections of iron-dextran, the first at day 2 and the second at day 7). Hemoglobin levels were analyzed to determine the incorporation of iron in the bloodstream in the form of hemoglobin. Pig weights were used as a measure of production. The hemoglobin levels did not differ (p\u3e0.1) among the 3 treatments at birth, 4 days, 6 days, 2 weeks and 5 weeks of age. However, birth values were higher (p\u3c0.01) than either 4 or 6 day values. In addition, 2 week values were higher (p\u3c0.01) than 4 and 6 day values, but lower than birth values. Five week values were the highest (p\u3c0.01) of all values measured. Weights did not differ among treatment groups at 2 and 5 weeks of age (p\u3e0.1). Results of this study indicate that pigs farrowed and reared in metal farrowing stalls neither benefit in iron level or production from iron-dextran injections