Acta Vet. Brno 2007, 76: 179-185

https://doi.org/10.2754/avb200776020179

Efficiency of Carbonyl Iron in Prevention of Anaemia in Piglets

M. Svoboda, R. Ficek, B. Synková, J. Drábek

University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic

Received July 26, 2006
Accepted February 20, 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate efficiency of elemental iron preparation in the form of carbonyl iron in prevention of iron deficiency in piglets. The piglets in group I (n = 14) were given 210 mg of carbonyl iron orally at the age of 3 days. The piglets in group II (n = 15) received 210 mg of carbonyl iron orally on days 3 and 9. In group III (n = 14) the piglets were injected i.m. with 200 mg Fe3+ as iron dextran. Fourteen days after birth, haemoglobin concentration in group I started to decrease and the piglets developed anaemia. In group II, at the age of 28 days, Hb dropped below 80 g/l and the piglets developed anaemia. Under conditions of this trial, the oral administration of carbonyl iron did not prevent development of iron deficiency in piglets.