Iron shots, is earlier better?

General swine health questions, bio-security, vet recommendations
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What day do you give iron shots on?

Right after birth.
3
15%
Day 2
6
30%
Day 3
11
55%
 
Total votes: 20

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Dude
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Iron shots, is earlier better?

Post by Dude » Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:14 pm

I lost a couple of pigs out of a litter today that were only about 12 hours old and had a very experienced breeder from near by tell me that if you don't give them their iron shot shortly after they are born you will lose a few because of it. I was wondering if any of you have experience with this subject. Is it better to go a head and give the iron shots after birth instead of waiting 2 - 3 days.
CHULA FARMS

CJ
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Post by CJ » Fri Aug 19, 2005 11:47 pm

We try to give the shot with in 24 hours but have gone up to three days with no problems.

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allen34501
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Post by allen34501 » Sat Aug 20, 2005 6:24 am

Dude, I try to give them their iron shots with in 24 hours, but just like CJ I make sure it is amenitstered at least with in 72 hours and I have had good luck with this. (Knock on Wood ) Good Luck with the rest of your litters. P.S. Can't wait to get that Awesome Boar home. Thanks, Allen.

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Piggy
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Post by Piggy » Mon Aug 22, 2005 8:24 pm

Your very experienced breeder is WRONG, they are born with enough iron in their systems for approx. 10 days. Sow milk contains almost no iron. You are probably o.k. giving anytime during the first week. I have even forgotten some litters and did not loose any pigs. Good luck

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Dude
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Post by Dude » Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:57 pm

Thanks Piggy. What about this theory, I have also been told that newborn pigs need dirt in their pen. Something to do with them needing to eat a little bit of dirt to help slow down their digestive system so they don't dehydrate. Anybody ever heard of that? I know another big breeder that puts a shovel full of dirt in his farrowing crates when the pigs are born.
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Piggy
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Post by Piggy » Tue Aug 23, 2005 9:54 pm

well good clean dirt, is a source of iron and they LOVE it, so if it is CLEAN, go ahead, you won't have to give iron shots either, lol, Good luck.

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