Increasing litter size in modern sow genetics has intensified iron requirements during gestation, especially in late pregnancy when fetal growth and maternal blood production peak. Despite adequate iron inclusion, gestational anemia in sows and anemia at birth in piglets remain common, highlighting that iron source matters as much as iron level.
A recent peer-reviewed study compared different dietary iron sources in highly prolific sows under commercial conditions. Although total iron intake was equivalent, sows receiving heme iron from AP 301 spray dried red cells showed significantly higher hemoglobin concentrations around day 90 of gestation. This reflects a more efficient use of iron to support maternal hemoglobin levels during the period of highest physiological demand.
The study also reported a lower prevalence of piglet anemia at birth when sows were fed organic iron sources, including heme iron, compared to ferrous sulfate. Importantly, this effect was observed before postnatal iron injection, underlining the role of maternal iron nutrition during gestation.
These results reinforce a key message for sow nutrition: equal iron inclusion does not guarantee equal biological response, particularly in highly prolific systems.
Read the technote for more details about the study.