Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Timing of Iron Injections for Piglets
To prevent piglet anemia, iron-dextran injection should be given on:
- $4^{th}$ & $14^{th}$ day of age — Correct Answer
- $5^{th}$ & $15^{th}$ day of age
- $1^{st}$ & $10^{th}$ day of age
- $1^{st}$ & $11^{th}$ day of age
Explanation:
Correct Answer: 4th & 14th day of age
Piglets are born with critically low hepatic iron stores, and sow's milk is iron-deficient (contains only ~1 ppm Fe). Since piglets raised indoors cannot root in soil for iron, standard practice is intramuscular injection of Iron-dextran on the 4th day (often followed by a booster on the 14th day) to prevent fatal anaemia.
Piglet Anaemia — Complete Management
| Prevention Method | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Drenching | Saturated solution of FeSO₄ |
| 2. Teat painting | FeSO₄ on sow's teats |
| 3. I/M injection | Iron-dextran on 4th & 14th day after birth |
Piglet Anaemia — Key Facts
- Most susceptible age: 2–4 weeks old piglets
- Characterised by spasmodic breathing known as 'Thumps'
- Iron stored in body as: Ferritin & Hemosiderin
- Iron in blood serum transported as: Transferrin (iron-transporting protein)
- Iron toxicity (Siderosis): excessive deposition of iron in liver, spleen & kidney
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
