Plasma ferritin and other parameters related to iron metabolism in piglets

The evolution of mean plasma ferritin values, hematocrit, hemoglobin, plasma iron concentration and total plasma iron binding capacity were studied during the growth of piglets from 0 to 50 days. The results obtained point to a massive mobilization of iron from storage sites during the second and third weeks of life of these animals. Apart from plasma ferritin values and the total plasma iron binding capacity, the coefficient of utilization may be considered as another parameter to be taken into account upon evaluating iron deposits in piglets.