Intestinal absorption and structure in iron deficient piglets

Absorption of D xylose by iron deficient piglets from three litters was as rapid as in their iron treated littermates, except when they were affected by diarrhoea. The dry matter content of the faeces of iron deficient piglets was marginally decreased, but the fat content of the faeces was significantly increased in two tests out of four. Diarrhoea in iron deprived piglets was associated with a small decrease in dry matter content and a large increase in fat content of the dry matter of the faeces and in fat excreted per kg bodyweight. Frank villous atrophy was evident histologically in iron deficient piglets which had diarrhoea when they were killed. Morphometric analysis of small intestinal specimens showed a significant decrease in villous length, villus-to-crypt ratio and mucosal complexity among iron deficient piglets. Crypt depth was not reduced.