title: Evaluation of oral iron galactan as a method of iron supplementation for intensively housed sucking piglets.
abstract: Iron supplementation of piglets with oral galactan given as a single dose within 24 hours of birth was evaluated in a series of on farm trials. The growth rate of piglets receiving this treatment was faster than that of piglets receiving single injections of iron dextran or iron galactan at 3 days of age, or ferrous sulphate crystals orally at weekly intervals. Mean values for red cell parameters of oral iron galactan supplemented piglets at 2 to 4 weeks of age were lower than those of injected piglets but there was no clinical evidence of anaemia in any of the piglets.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000747:Anemia, Hypochromic / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D000833:Animals, Suckling; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005685:Galactans / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006799:Housing, Animal; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D013552:Swine / Q000254:growth & development; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D005685:Galactans; D007501:Iron