Piglets are especially susceptible to iron deficiency for several reasons:
When a piglet does not receive enough iron, its body does not produce enough haemoglobin. This leads to slowed growth, inadequate weight gain and anaemia. Early symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia include paleness and failure to thrive. But in more severe cases, clinical symptoms appear: stunted growth, shortness of breath, and chronic diarrhea brought on by a compromised immune system. If left untreated, anaemia will ultimately lead to death.
Iron deficiency anaemia in piglets is prevented with an injection of iron shortly after birth. And the right iron supplement can make a big difference. Read more here.
References:
1 NRC (National Research Council) (1998): Nutrient Requirements of Swine, 10th revised ed. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press.
2 Leman et al. (1992): Diseases of Swine. 7th ed. Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.