In summary, FeMet given orally was a safe and readily available source of Fe for the
neonatal pig. However, limited absorption and/or storage of the oral Fe resulted in Fe stores
not sufficient to meet the Fe requirements for 21 d. Based on the results of this study a second
dose of FeMet at approximately 10 d of age would be required to maintain maximal
hemoglobin concentrations until weaning at 21 d. Iron methionine may have been utilized
more efficiently if the complex had been given just prior to gut closure (30-36 h). This would
have allowed more time for enzymes involved in Fe utilization to increase. Further studies
are needed to determine the optimal time(s) for FeMet administration and to develop a
convenient, safe delivery system for administering FeMet orally