Free‐range system and supplementation of 25‐hydroxicholecalciferol increases the performance and serum vitamin levels in mixed‐parity sows

Abstract

Improvements in sow productivity have raised questions regarding dietary vitamin D recommendations. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the housing system with access to sunlight exposure and supplementation of 25‐hydroxicholecalciferol on performance and serum levels of 25(OH)D3 in sows during gestation and lactation. Sows were distributed in an experimental design with two housing systems: gestation crates or gestation free‐range system with external area for sunlight exposure; and two diets: 0 or 50 μg of 25‐hydroxicholecalciferol kg−1. The use of 25‐hydroxicholecalciferol tended (P = 0.052) to improve total born and influenced (P = 0.046) on number of born alive. Litter weight at birth was also increased (P = 0.01) by 25‐hydroxicholecalciferol supplementation; 25‐hydroxicholecalciferol supplementation and housing system (free‐range with sunlight exposure) tended to increase weaning weight (P = 0.07) and litter daily gain (P = 0.051) during lactation. Exposure to sunlight and 25‐hydroxicholecalciferol supplementation increased 25(OH)D3 serum levels when compared with control treatment during gestation (136.95 vs. 113.92 ng mL−1; P = 0.035) and lactation (120.29 vs. 88.93 ng mL−1; P = 0.026). In conclusion, the association of 25‐hydroxicholecalciferol supplementation with exposure to sunlight during gestation improved significantly 25(OH)D3 serum levels and consequently performance traits in gestation and lactation.

Effect of increasing levels of fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins on improving performance and plasma vitamin concentration in modern hybrids pig’s growth and finishing phase

“…Vitamin D 3 is another that can positively impact performance, calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, bone mineralization, and immune system, especially, for pigs raised in confinement without access to sunlight (Kolp et al, 2017). According to Witschi et al (2011) andPanisson et al (2021) the supplementation of 50µg/kg of vitamin D 3 or 25(OH)D 3 in the diet of pregnant sows provided improvement in bone characteristics and increase in performance of piglets. Regarding vitamin K, Monegue (2013) observed an increase in prothrombin activity with the supplementation of 0.5 ppm of vitamin K 3 in pig diets formulated with corn containing mycotoxins.…”

“…According to Witschi et al (2011) andPanisson et al (2021) the supplementation of 50µg/kg of vitamin D 3 or 25(OH)D 3 in the diet of pregnant sows provided improvement in bone characteristics and increase in performance of piglets. Regarding vitamin K, Monegue (2013) observed an increase in prothrombin activity with the supplementation of 0.5 ppm of vitamin K 3 in pig diets formulated with corn containing mycotoxins.…”