The effects of iron deficiency on the level of oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses in suckling piglets

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of iron deficiency on the oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses in suckling piglets. Piglets in the experimental group were given no iron supplement till the age of 21 days. Piglets in the control group were injected i.m. with gleptoferronum at the age of 3 days. Blood samples were taken at 3, 21, 28, and 35 days of age and examined for haematological and biochemical indices. Iron deficiency in the experimental group resulted in the development of anaemia. Significantly lower ceruloplasmin activities in blood plasma were found in the anaemic piglets. The other biochemical indices of the oxidative status (thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, carbonyl proteins, super oxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) were comparable between the experimental and the control group. It can be concluded that apart from lower ceruloplasmin activities the oxidative status of piglets was not affected negatively by iron deficiency.