In this study second-partiy sows were fed diets containing organic or inorganic trace minerals, and their progeny were used to determine the iron (Fe) status of pigs at birth and nursing and postweaning phases. The results indicated a reduced Fe bioavailability when sows were fed the organic fe source, but this could also been because of a greater Fe need, lowered Fe status, or both, for the sow because of the greater number of pigs farrowed and heavier litter weights at parturition and weaning. It is also concludeed that Fe injection at birth may be critical to achieving maximum pig growth response to weaning. There was no apparent advantage to injecting fe at weaning when neonatal pigs received Fe injections.