Capsaicin and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D₃ Glycoside: Effects on the Reproductive Performance of Hyper-Prolific Sows

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of a natural source of vitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] and capsaicin (CAP) in the dietary supplementation of sows in the final phase (85–114 days) of gestation (Gest) and lactation (Lact) on the reproductive performance of the sows and health of piglets through two experiments (Exp I and II). In Exp I, 120 sows were subjected to four treatments: T1—control (without [1,25-(OH)2D3] and supplemental CAP); T2—3.5 µg 1,25-(OH)2D3/Gest/day and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3/Lact/day; T3—7.0 µg CAP/Gest/day and 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day; T4—1.75 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 + 3.5 µg CAP/Gest/day and 3.5 µg 1,25-(OH)2D3 + 7.0 µg CAP/Lact/day. In Exp II, 200 sows were randomly blocked, factorial 2 × 2 (without or with Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 and without or with CAP): T1—control (without Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 and CAP); T2—3.5 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3/Gest/day and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3/Lact/day; T3—7.0 µg CAP/Gest/day and 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day; T4—3.5 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 + 7 µg CAP/Gest/day; and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 + 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day. The duration of delivery (3:48 vs. 4:57 h) and the percentage of stillbirths (5.37% vs. 7.61%) were improved (p 2D3 (Exp II) compared to the control group. Moreover, the dystocia rate decreased (p 2D3 (4.21 vs. 27.63%), and in Exp I, which received the combination of Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 + CAP (12 vs. 40%) compared to the respective control groups. Colostrum production was greater (p 2D3 supplementation compared to the control group, consequently resulting in higher colostrum intake (p p < 0.05) in piglets (Exp I and II). Thus, the use of additives improved the reproductive performance of sows and contributed to litter growth.

Keywords

• additives
• dystocia
• maternity
• piglets
• vitamin D