The aim of this study was to evaluate efficiency of elemental iron preparation in the form of carbonyl iron in prevention of iron deficiency in piglets. The piglets in group I (n = 14) were given 210 mg of carbonyl iron orally at the age of 3 days. The piglets in group II (n = 15) received 210 mg of carbonyl iron orally on days 3 and 9. In group III (n = 14) the piglets were injected i.m. with 200 mg Fe 3+ as iron dextran. Fourteen days after birth, haemoglobin concentration in group I started to decrease and the piglets developed anaemia. In group II, at the age of 28 days, Hb dropped below 80 g/l and the piglets developed anaemia. Under conditions of this trial, the oral administration of carbonyl iron did not prevent development of iron deficiency in piglets. , haemoglobin, packed cell volume, neonatal period, iron dextran, oral administration Anaemia