The use of ferrous succinate in combination with vitamins A and E for the prevention of toxic liver dystrophy in piglets

Noncontagious diseases are among the most widespread health issues affecting livestock at large pig breeding complexes. Statistics indicate that toxic liver dystrophy, rickets, vitamin deficiencies, and porcine stress syndrome prevail in groups of growing-finishing pigs. To date, a number of methods have been proposed to prevent and treat toxic liver dystrophy in pigs. The use of a 0.1% solution of sodium selenite and vitamins A and E, which have antioxidant properties, has become common practice in industrial pig farming in the Middle Volga Region of Russia. In recent years, both domestic and foreign researchers have proved that succinic acid and its derivatives exert antioxidant effects. Therefore, the development of new methods for the prevention and treatment of toxic liver dystrophy in piglets is very important. For the first time, research has been undertaken to determine the effects of ferrous succinate, vitamins A and E, sodium selenite on the hematological and biochemical parameters of sows and piglets produced by them. The effects of these drugs on sow productivity and piglet survival have been determined; histopathological alterations in the organs and tissues of piglets with toxic liver dystrophy have been identified. To prevent toxic liver dystrophy in piglets, the authors have proposed a regimen of administering ferrous succinate in combination with vitamins.