Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

What nutritional health problem in swine is caused by a lack of iron in their diet?

1. Dehydration

2. Anemia

3. Malnutrition

4. Vitamin Deficiency

The correct answer is: Anemia

The nutritional health problem in swine that arises from a deficiency of iron in their diet is anemia. Swine, especially piglets, are particularly susceptible to iron deficiency because they have low levels of stored iron at birth and they receive little iron from their mothers' milk. As a result, if they are not supplemented with iron, they can develop anemia, characterized by a reduction in hemoglobin levels, which is necessary for transporting oxygen in the blood. Anemia in swine can lead to a range of complications, including poor growth rates, lower energy levels, and increased susceptibility to disease since their immune function can be compromised. Ensuring that piglets receive appropriate iron supplementation shortly after birth is critical to preventing this condition. While other options like dehydration, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiency can affect swine, they are not specifically caused by iron deficiency. Dehydration is related to water intake, malnutrition encompasses a broader range of deficiencies beyond just iron, and vitamin deficiency pertains to a lack of essential vitamins, which is a different issue from iron deficiency anemia.