Use of Anthill soil as a source of iron in Piglets

Abstract

A study was done to evaluate the use of anthill soil as a source of iron in piglets at the University of Zambia's field station. One litter, comprising 10 piglets was given anthill soil as a source of iron (SOIL) while the control litter (11 piglets) was given the conventional iron injection (CONT). Growth performance and haematological parameters (packed cell volume and haemoglobin content) were measured over a period of six weeks. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the parameters measured between the two litters. However, in absolute terms, the SOIL piglets had slightly lower values of weekly weights and haemoglobin content than the CONT piglets. Further, the haemoglobin below the recommended 9.0 g/100 ml to avoid anaemia. It is concluded that while soil can be used as source of iron, the present results are not conclusive. Further research is recommended.