At the recommended inclusion rate of 25 kg to a tonne of sow feed, the level of vitamin E in the lactating and dry sow diets was 31.75 mg/kg. The level of vitamin E in the vitamin-mineral premix bag was 1270 mg/kg. In April 2018 a sample of the mineral and vitamin sow premix was sent to a certified laboratory to analyze the level of vitamin E. The laboratory investigations of the livers are summarized in Table 2. Two dead piglets were submitted to the laboratory for analyses. Four-day-old piglet with damage to the muscles around the injection site (neck) showing oedema and brownish black discoloration.

Four-day-old piglet with hepatic rupture and friable liver.įigure 4.

Four-day-old piglet with haemoperitoneum & haemothorax with full stomach.įigure 3. Four-day-old piglets with pale muscles.įigure 2. The total mortality in the last two batches of piglets was 25%.įigure 1. Some piglets died suddenly after being injected with iron dextran. The farmer pointed out that some piglets developed an anaphylactic reaction within 24 hours after injecting 1 ml of iron dextran in the neck. There was damage to the muscles around the injection site of the iron dextran showing oedema and brownish black discoloration (Figure 4). The stomachs were filled with clotted milk (Figures 2 & 3). The post-mortem examination showed haemoperitoneum caused by hepatic rupture in all five piglets. Necropsies were performed on five dead piglets.

All dead piglets had good body condition but were pale (Figure 1). Investigationĭuring a farm visit in April 2018, there were 17 dead piglets around 4 days of age from different litters. The farmer contacted his veterinarian concerning an increase in piglet mortality within the first 4 days of life. It prepares a meal feed for the entire unit except for the weaner rations. The farm grows its own barley and wheat, but purchases soya and the vitamin-mineral premix. The unit does a three-week batch farrowing cycle. Gilts and sows are served using artificial insemination from a single source. Replacement gilts are produced internally. The vaccination protocol implemented is illustrated in Table 1.Ģ ml injection selection and 2 weeks pre serviceĢ ml injection 6 and 2 weeks pre farrowing

Iron toxicity antidote