Maternal cholecalciferol supplementation during gestation improves antioxidant capacities in gilts and piglets

Abstract

Various studies have evaluated the relationship between cholecalciferol (vitamin D 3 ) and reproductive performance. This study aimed at investigating the effects of maternal D 3 supplementation during gestation on reproductive performance and antioxidant capacities of gilts and their offsprings. Twenty-three Landrace  Yorkshire gilts were randomly allocated into two groups and fed on one of the following two diets during gestation: control diet or D 3 supplemented diet. It was found that D 3 supplementation had a tendency to increase the number of total born and born alive piglets. Moreover, it elevated serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations in gilts and newborn piglets. Besides, D 3 supplementation improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px, T-AOC and T-SOD) in the blood of gilts, umbilical cord and newborn piglets and piglets' liver, while serum malondialdehyde concentrations of gilts and umbilical cord were reduced in the D 3 group. In addition, D 3 supplementation upregulated the expression of antioxidant related genes in the placenta and piglets' liver. In conclusion, D 3 supplementation during gestation might improve antioxidant capacities in gilts, placenta and in newborn piglets. Therefore, D 3 supplementation has the potential to enhance the reproductive performance of gilts. HIGHLIGHTSD 3 supplementation has a significant role in the nutrition of gilts. Maternal D 3 supplementation during gestation increased the number of born and born alive piglets. Maternal D 3 supplementation during gestation improved the antioxidant capacities of gilts, placenta and newborn piglets.

Maternal VD3supplementation during gestation improves intestinal health and microbial composition of weaning piglets

“…Our previous study has shown that the serum concentration of 25-OHD 3 in newborn piglets was significantly increased by maternal VD 3 supplementation. 11 Here we showed that the serum concentrations of 25-OHD 3 in the weaning piglets were…”

“…Our previous report has shown that sows supplemented with VD 3 during gestation tended to have more total born and born alive piglets, without changes in the birth weight per piglet or the farrowing duration of sows. 11 Besides, VD 3 supplementation during gestation also increased the placenta weight of sows. 11 The present study showed that the litter size, litter weight and ADG of piglets were not changed by maternal VD 3 supplementation.…”

“…11 Besides, VD 3 supplementation during gestation also increased the placenta weight of sows. 11 The present study showed that the litter size, litter weight and ADG of piglets were not changed by maternal VD 3 supplementation. Similarly, a previous study also showed that the survival rate and body weight of suckling piglets at weaning were not changed by maternal VD 3 supplementation during gestation.…”

“…[8][9][10] Our previous study showed that VD 3 had the potential to increase the total born and born alive piglets of sows, without changes in the farrowing duration of sows or the birth weight of piglets. 11 Besides, placenta weights of sows were significantly increased by VD 3 supplementation. 11 A previous study reported that maternal supplementation of 25-OHD 3 (the active form of VD 3 ) during lactation significantly increased the body weight of piglets at weaning.…”

“…11 Besides, placenta weights of sows were significantly increased by VD 3 supplementation. 11 A previous study reported that maternal supplementation of 25-OHD 3 (the active form of VD 3 ) during lactation significantly increased the body weight of piglets at weaning. 12 Although the effect of maternal VD 3 supplementation during lactation on the intestinal health and function of the piglets has been reported, 12 the long-term effect of maternal VD 3 supplementation during gestation on the intestinal health of their offspring is unclear.…”