Research project New iron sources for organic piglets

General introduction

It is technically possible to help piglets get to healthier iron levels via oral administration, rather than injection, but this requires building in certainty about the actual intake. That is one result from the BIGIJZER research project. Can piglets' iron needs be met naturally and organically, without an iron injection? This question arose in light of a potentially stricter approach to organic certification. This injection is already considered as a medical treatment in France. If that comes to Belgium it will be problematic for organic pig farmers as they are only allowed to administer 1 medical treatment per animal per year.
Piglets are born with little iron in their blood, so without external iron sources they are at risk of anemia from iron deficiency. Sow milk does not solve this as it is naturally iron-poor. On today's pig farms, and administering an iron injection between days 3 and 5 is routine practice.

Research approach

Piglets were divided into five groups: one group received a standard iron injection (IM), while four groups received oral iron administration, including iron-rich feeds: O1 (10-12% Fe2O3), O2 (22.5% ferrous sulphate) and O3 (24% iron from various ferrous compounds) and a mixture of O3 with apple sauce (O3 APPLE). These products were administered from day 3 to day 12 postpartum. Iron status of piglets was assessed via haemoglobin values, and growth performance was also measured. The field tests took place in the farrowing pen at ILVO's Pig Campus, with a focus on products that are local, low-cost and bio-certified.

Relevance/Valorization

This research offers important insights for organic pig farmers seeking alternatives to iron injections. O2, although less effective than O3, is a viable option within organic regulations. The study highlights the importance of further development of permitted iron-rich products for oral administration to ensure both piglet health and compliance with organic certifications.

Financing

Vlaamse Overheid - L&V
CCBT
Inagro