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

Abstract

Vitamin D3 (VD3) has been reported to improve the reproductive performance of sow. This study was conducted to investigate the long-term effect of maternal VD3 supplementation during gestation on the...

The Effects of Optimal Dietary Vitamin D3 on Growth and Carcass Performance, Tibia Traits, Meat Quality, and Intestinal Morphology of Chinese Yellow-Feathered Broiler Chickens

“…Similar to a previous study [ 6 ], dietary VD 3 significantly increased the ADFI and ADG from 1 to 42 days and improved the FCR of the tested broilers from 43 to 63 days. The improved growth performance induced by VD 3 supplementation might act by promoting intestinal development and health through improving the status of the development of intestinal villi, promoting the activity of related digestive enzymes, and the intestinal antioxidant capacity, and maintaining the balance of intestinal flora [ 29 ]. In general, intestinal morphology is a key factor affecting the digestion and absorption of nutrients in poultry [ 30 ], and villus length, crypt depth, and the V/C ratio are significant indicators used to assess the maturity and functional capacity of intestinal tissues [ 31 ].…”

“…Previous studies reported that dietary VD 3 addition had positive effects on animal carcass traits in broiler chickens [ 40 ] and pigs [ 29 ]. In Wenchang broilers, VD 3 supplementation reduced weight loss and improved the dressing percentage [ 40 ], while dietary VD 3 tended to decrease the body weight loss of sows during lactation [ 29 ].…”

“…Previous studies reported that dietary VD 3 addition had positive effects on animal carcass traits in broiler chickens [ 40 ] and pigs [ 29 ]. In Wenchang broilers, VD 3 supplementation reduced weight loss and improved the dressing percentage [ 40 ], while dietary VD 3 tended to decrease the body weight loss of sows during lactation [ 29 ]. In agreement, our results showed that VD 3 supplementation improved carcass traits in the yellow-feathered broilers; however, no significant effect of adding VD 3 was observed between the three experimental groups, generally indicating that a lower level of dietary VD 3 was sufficient to improve the carcass performances of broilers.…”

Maternal Supplementation with Ornithine Promotes Placental Angiogenesis and Improves Intestinal Development of Suckling Piglets

“…Maternal nutrition during gestation is an important factor influencing the intestinal development of postnatal piglets. Numerous studies have elucidated that maternal dietary supplementation with specific nutrients, such as vitamin D3, galactooligosaccharides, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, can improve the intestinal development and health of suckling piglets [ 45 , 46 , 47 ]. In the present investigation, the 0.15% Orn group was higher than the CON group in the jejunal and ileal villi height.…”

Maternal supplementation with glycerol monolaurate improves the intestinal health of suckling piglets by inhibiting the NF-κB/MAPK pathways and improving oxidative stability

“…2,3 In the lactation phase, sufficient intake of colostrum and milk is a key factor in ensuring the intestinal health of piglets. [4][5][6] Previous studies have shown that the quality of a sow's milk is closely related to her diet during lactation. 2 Importantly, compelling evidence has indicated that immune agents and antioxidant protection can be transferred from mother to neonate via maternal colostrum and milk supply.…”