Effectiveness of iron-dextrans and gleptoferron (Gleptosilr) on iron serum biochemistry in piglets

Piglets are born with limited iron reserve and they need supplementation by iron in order to synthetize haemoglobin required for the prevention of anaemia and for proper immune functions. In majority of studies mainly haemoglobin and haematological profile is measured, parameters describing body iron status are missing. The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of three iron-containing products (two iron-dextrans and a gleptoferron) on serum biochemistry linked to iron metabolism.

Four sows and their litters were used. Piglets were randomly divided into four treatment groups and ear-marked for individual identification. Each treatment was then represented in each litter. On day 3, piglets were given intramuscular injection of two different iron-dextran products (group A, B) and group C was treated by gleptoferron product (Gleptosil) according manufactures recommendation. Control group was not treated with any iron. Groups were consisting of 12 piglets. Blood was collected on day 14 and 28 (weaning age). Iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were determined by colorimetric method on an AU5822 chemistry analyser (Beckman, Olympus). Percentage of Transferrin saturation (TSAT) with iron was calculated according to the following formula: TSAT= (iron/TIBC) x 100.

On day 14 and 28 all groups had significantly higher serum iron and TSAT and significantly lower TIBC in comparison with control group. Despite the fact that there were no significant differences among iron-treated groups on weaning (day 28), best results were obtained in group C (Gleptosil).

Gleptosil group showed highest Fe concentration (μmol/l) 18.55 (±9.34) in comparison with 17.81 (±14.95); 13.13 (±8.99) in group A and B, respectively.

Transferrin saturation (%) was again highest in Gleptosil group (36.18±23.29) in comparison with other groups A, B (26.58±29. 50) and (18.78±15.66).

TIBC (μmol/l) parameter was best in Gleptosil group 76.22 ±54.04 (group A and B were 89.43±32.13 and 89.44 ±41.62, respectively).

Serum biochemistry and parameters related to iron metabolism are not very frequently evaluated in piglets. Fe concentration, TIBC parameter and TSAT parameter could be very useful indicators of potential anaemia and quality of iron supplementation in piglets. In our study all treated groups showed significant difference in mentioned parameters in comparisons with control group and piglets injected by gleptoferron (Gleptosil) showed best parameters characterized body iron status.

This work was supported by project LO1218 under the NPU I program (Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic).

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared.