Evidence-based information about pig neonatal piglet iron supplementation: preventing anaemia for animal welfare improvement.
Iron-deficient piglets develop pale mucous membranes, poor growth, and laboured breathing. Without iron supplementation in housed systems, all piglets become at least mildly anaemic by 2-3 weeks. Intramuscular iron dextran injection at 3-4 days of age is effective and standard practice. Oral iron supplementation and access to iron-rich materials are alternatives with welfare and practical advantages in some systems.