How to inject iron properly in the piglets?

Young pigs require iron to help protect their bodies against potential illnesses. Pigs are born with approximately 40-50mg of iron reserves in their bodies, which can last for only four days. Therefore, supplemental iron should be given to young pigs as early as possible, preferably on their 3rd day after birth. An injection of 100mg/1ml of iron content should be administered to support their iron needs and prevent anemia, which can occur after 10-15 days. To improve the survival rate, another dose of iron should be given to the young pig on its 10th or 14th day after birth.

A deficiency of iron, an essential mineral for piglets, can lead to anemia (a low level of hemoglobin in the red blood cells). Anemia can result in difficulty breathing for animals due to reduced oxygen transportation in the body, making the animal more susceptible to diseases.

Here is the proper way to inject iron into piglets:

• Prepare a bottle of iron, a syringe, cotton, and alcohol.
• Fill the syringe with 1ml of iron containing 100mg/ml. Ensure there are no air bubbles in the syringe, as they can cause discomfort to the piglets.
• Hold the two hind legs of the piglet and secure it with your hand or seek assistance.
• Roll a small piece of cotton and moisten it with alcohol. Clean the area on the hind leg where the iron will be injected.
• Apply pressure to the hind leg to ensure that the needle does not reach any bones.
• Gently inject the needle of the syringe and release it immediately after the injection.
• Massage the area to evenly distribute the liquid iron in the tissues.
• Mark the injected piglets.

Please note that when administering injections or medical procedures, it is always best to consult a veterinarian or a professional with experience in pig husbandry to ensure proper technique and dosage.