Comparison of the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of two different iron supplementation products in suckling piglets

Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of two iron sources, gleptoferron (GLF) and iron dextran (DXT) in two-day old piglets. Materials and methods: A total of 32 piglets from four litters were used in the study. On the second day of life, eight piglets were selected per litter and injected with one of two sources of iron, GLF or DXT (four piglets per treatment group in each litter). Blood samples were collected prior to treatment and 1, 2, 6, 10, and 12 hours after treatment. Additional samples were collected on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 19, and 24. Serum iron and ferritin concentrations were analyzed in all samples and the following pharmacokinetic parameters of iron were calculated: the peak concentration, time to peak concentration, half time, and extent of absorption. Hematological parameters were also analyzed to assess the iron status: hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Piglets were individually weighed weekly. Results: No significant differences in growth performance were observed between groups. Both products were efficient to prevent iron deficiency and anemia in the suckling period. The absorption and the bioavailability of iron were higher with GLF than DXT (overall iron serum concentration, P < .001). Implications: Under the conditions of this study, both iron products are efficient to prevent iron deficiency and anemia in the suckling period. Absorption and bioavailability of GLF are significantly higher and have a confirmed different pharmacokinetic profile to DXT.