Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Anaemia Prevention in Neonatal Piglets

Iron deficiency anaemia is a preventable welfare problem in neonatal piglets - evidence-based supplementation protocols ensure healthy development.

Key Facts

Piglets are born with minimal iron reserves and sow milk is low in iron
Anaemia develops rapidly without supplementation on concrete or slatted floors
Intramuscular iron dextran injection at 3-4 days prevents deficiency reliably
Oral iron supplementation is less reliable but avoids injection stress
Soil access on outdoor systems provides natural iron supplementation

Welfare Considerations

Iron deficiency anaemia causes weakness, reduced growth, and increased mortality in piglets. Prevention is cheap, effective, and prevents real suffering. Injection stress is a minor welfare cost compared to untreated anaemia.

What You Can Do

Ensure iron supplementation protocols are part of all pig farm health plans
Advocate for mandatory inclusion in farm assurance scheme requirements
Support outdoor pig production where soil access provides natural benefit