Untersuchungen zur optimalen Eisenversorgung bei ökologischgehaltenen Saugferkeln

During their suckling period, piglets´ demand for the essential trace element iron cannot be satisfied by sows´ milk alone. Because modern farrowing systems prevent piglets from rooting in soil to ensure additional iron intake, both conventional and organic farmers supplement iron by injection on day 3 post natum (p.n.). However, it is questionable if a single iron injection is sufficient for organic piglets, whose suckling period is 2-3 weeks longer than for their conventional counterparts. Therefore, this study compared a single iron injection on day 3 p.n. (E1) with two injections on day 3 and 14 (E2), and three injections on day 3, 14 and 21 (E3). The significantly lowest blood hematocrit levels and daily weight gains until weaning were found in E1 piglets, allowing the conclusion that a second iron injection is recommendable.