The most common deficiency in piglets is which mineral?

The most common deficiency in piglets is which mineral?

• A. Calcium
• B. Iron
• C. Selenium
• D. Phosphorus

Answer: (B)

Newborn piglets are prone to iron deficiency because they start life with very limited iron stores, placental transfer of iron is limited, and sow milk provides relatively little iron. Their rapid growth further increases iron need, so without supplementation they develop iron-deficiency anemia. This makes iron the most common mineral deficiency seen in piglets. Clinically, affected piglets may look pale, be weak, and show poor growth or increased susceptibility to disease. Prevention focuses on early iron supplementation, typically an intramuscular injection of iron dextran within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth, which quickly supports hemoglobin production. While calcium, phosphorus, and selenium deficiencies can occur, they do not occur as routinely as iron deficiency in healthy neonatal piglets.

Newborn piglets are prone to iron deficiency because they start life with very limited iron stores, placental transfer of iron is limited, and sow milk provides relatively little iron. Their rapid growth further increases iron need, so without supplementation they develop iron-deficiency anemia. This makes iron the most common mineral deficiency seen in piglets. Clinically, affected piglets may look pale, be weak, and show poor growth or increased susceptibility to disease. Prevention focuses on early iron supplementation, typically an intramuscular injection of iron dextran within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth, which quickly supports hemoglobin production. While calcium, phosphorus, and selenium deficiencies can occur, they do not occur as routinely as iron deficiency in healthy neonatal piglets.