Dosing

The benefits of Uniferon

The most practical, cost-effective, accurate dosing and effective method of providing supplemental iron to piglets is by injectable administration.
The proper injection technique of a single 200mg dose of supplemental iron at 1 to 3 days of age offers the following advantages(1):

  • A high-quality injectable iron supplement following the same production standards as required for the manufacturing of our human drug products

  • Cost-effective parenteral iron treatment2

  • Minimized risk of iron deficiency of suckling piglets3

  • Provides iron for vigorous growth through the pre-weaning period3

  • Uniform dosing4

  • Fully absorbable5

  1. 1: Gaddy, H.J. et al., 2012: “A review of recent supplemental iron industry practices and current usage of Uniferon® (iron dextran complex injection, 200 mg/mL) in baby pigs”. In: Proc. 43rd AASV Cong., March 2012
  2. 2: Olsen, C. (2019) "The economics of iron deficiency anemia on US swine production: An annual impact of 46-335 million US dollars". American Association of Swine Veterinarians. Orlando. Florida ​
  3. 3: Nielsen, J. P. & S. Bhattarai 2014. “Association of haematological status at weaning and weight gain post-weaning in piglets.” In: Proc 23rd IPVS Cong., June 2014​ ​
  4. 4: As compared to oral iron
  5. 5: Martin, L.E., et al. “The pharmacology of an iron-dextran intramuscular haematinic”. British Journal of Pharmacology and Chemotherapy, 1955; 10:375-382

Dosing

Two doses deliver double the benefits

Research shows that giving an additional 200 mg dose of Uniferon® significantly improves hemoglobin levels at weaning and boosts growth and health from weaning to market(1).
The two-dose protocol can be seamlessly integrated into existing production routines with minimal disruption while providing significant health benefits:

  • Improved daily weight gain wean-to-market1

  • Enhanced immunity and improved general health of piglets2

  • Improved enteric health2

  • Flexible dosing tailored to the farms existing protocols3

  1. 1: Chevalier, T. B., W. Lyons, D. B. Paczosa, G. K. Rentfrow, and M. D. Lindemann. 2023. "A second iron injection administered to piglets during lactation improves hemoglobin concentration, growth performance, and carcass characteristics at slaughter". J. Anim. Sci. 101:1-8. doi: 10.1093/jas/skad270
  2. 2: Jang, Y.D. et al, “Effect of second iron injection on growth performance, hematological parameters, and fecal microbiome of piglets fed different dietary iron levels”, Journal of Animal Science, 2024.
  3. 3: Gomez Cruz, et. al. “Comparison of 200 mg injectable iron dextran vs400 mg in either a single timepoint or split -dosed into two timepoints on growth and hemoglobin in pigs from birth to end of finishing.” In Proc. 55th AASV Conference, Feb 2024.

Dosage and injection technique

Dosage per piglet is 1 ml of Uniferon® for each of two recommended doses.

The correct injection technique is necessary to ensure that the correct dosage of iron is administered, and that the iron supplement enters the bloodstream effectively via absorption from the injection site tissue.

Failure to properly inject will likely result in a failure to prevent anaemia in your piglets. Be certain that everyone involved with injecting the piglets is aware of and follows the correct following injection techniques, as follows.

Correct injection technique

  • Correct timing of both doses is critical to achieving maximum benefits. Consult with your veterinarian to tailor the timing for your specific herd.​

    Protocol Guidelines:​
    ​
    First Dose: Administer the initial 200 mg dose of Uniferon within 24-72 hours of birth. Delays beyond this period can lead to a critical drop in hemoglobin and the onset of clinical anemia.​
    ​
    Second Dose: Administer a second 200 mg dose by day seven of life. This ensures that blood Hb levels remain in a healthy range, optimizing piglet growth and health.​
    ​
    Dosage Consideration: Avoid injecting more than 1 mL per site to prevent leakage and ensure the full efficacy of the dose.

  • Choose injection site:
    Parenteral administration can be either intramuscular or subcutaneous and the approved/recommended site can vary by country.

    Intramuscular:
    Hold the piglet’s body towards you. Injection should be intramuscular in the neck 2.5 - 5 cm behind the ear.

    Subcutaneous:
    Hold the piglet in its hind legs, so it hangs head down with hits abdomen facing you. Injection should be subcutaneously in the inguinal skin fold.

  • If the piglet's skin is dirty or wet, wipe it clean with cotton wool soaked in surgical spirits. Allow skin to dry before injection.

  • Uniferon® recommends a 20-gauge 15mm sterilized needle.

  • The skin then springs back in place, covers the hole in the muscle and seals the injected material in place, minimizing the risk of leakage.

  • It´s recommended that you test the injector. Watch the video for more information.