Relationship between vitamins in feed and reproductive performance of sows

The main goal of raising sows is to produce a large number of piglets, and two key indicators are used to evaluate their reproductive performance: the number of weaned piglets per year and the reproductive lifespan of each sow. Several factors can influence a sow's reproductive success, including genetics, nutrition, health, environment, and management practices. In recent years, advancements in nutritional science have led to promising results in improving sow reproduction through dietary adjustments. Research from both domestic and international studies has shown that nearly all vitamins play a significant role in the reproductive health of breeding pigs. Below are the main vitamins that impact sow fertility and productivity. **1. Vitamin E** Vitamin E plays a crucial role in reproductive function by stimulating the production of hormones such as thyrotropin (TH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and gonadotropin. It enhances ovarian function, increases follicle development, and boosts luteal cell production. Supplementing sows' diets with vitamin E can improve conception rates, reduce fetal mortality, increase litter size, and enhance the stress resistance of piglets. It also helps shorten the interval between weaning and estrus and improves boar semen quality. Studies show that sows fed high levels of vitamin E have more litters and a lower incidence of mastitis, metritis, and agalactia syndrome (MMA). A deficiency in vitamin E can lead to reduced ovarian function, irregular estrous cycles, and higher rates of stillbirths or malformed embryos. **2. Folic Acid** Folic acid is essential for maintaining reproductive health and supporting early fetal development. It acts as a coenzyme in various enzyme systems involved in DNA and RNA synthesis. This makes it vital for maintaining stable reproductive functions, increasing litter size, and preventing lactation issues. **3. Beta-Carotene** Adding beta-carotene to sow feed can improve litter size, correct delayed estrus and ovulation, and increase embryo survival. It is also linked to the synthesis of lutein, which is necessary for maintaining pregnancy. Recent research shows that beta-carotene supplementation in boar feed can promote testicular development and improve semen quality. However, vitamin A and carotene are sensitive to oxidation, especially when exposed to moisture, heat, or rancid fats. **4. Vitamin A** Increasing the level of vitamin A in the diet can boost litter size and the number of weaned piglets. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to poor conception rates, irregular estrus, dystocia, miscarriage, stillbirths, weak piglets, and placental insufficiency. Piglets born to vitamin A-deficient sows may suffer from respiratory infections, diarrhea, and neurological issues. Young sows may experience delayed estrus and poor ovarian development, resulting in high embryonic mortality. **5. Biotin** Biotin is essential for maintaining hoof health and preventing lameness in sows. It also supports fetal growth, reduces fetal death, and improves lactation. Studies have shown that biotin supplementation can increase the length of the uterine horn, providing more space for fetal development. Adding 300 mg of biotin per ton of feed has been found to significantly increase the number of weaned piglets. It also helps prevent foot problems in sows during cold weather. **6. Vitamin C** Vitamin C plays a key role in redox reactions and adrenal cortex function, helping to relieve stress and improve sperm quality in boars. It also enhances the conception rate in sows, particularly under stressful conditions like high temperatures or during farrowing. Since breast milk is the only source of vitamin C for piglets in the first week of life, supplementing sows during pregnancy and lactation can reduce pre-weaning mortality. **7. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)** Studies indicate that feeding 4 mg of riboflavin for 4–7 days after breeding can increase live embryos, embryo survival, and litter size. Research by Tilton (1991) showed that adding 90–100 mg/day of riboflavin during early pregnancy significantly improved littering rates. **8. Vitamin K** Adding 100 mg/kg of vitamin K3 to the diet of pregnant sows increased litter size by 5.66%. For lactating sows, this addition boosted piglet weight gain by 7.78% and improved survival rates by 3.81%. **9. Vitamin B6** Incorporating 15 mg/kg of vitamin B6 into the diet of pregnant sows can reduce the weaning-to-estrus interval by 1.1 days compared to a control group with only 1 mg/kg. **10. Niacin** Adding 33 mg/kg of niacin to the gestational and lactation diets of sows reduced the incidence of metritis-mastitis-milk-free syndrome by 30%. In conclusion, vitamins are essential for optimal sow reproduction and overall productivity. Deficiencies can lead to a range of health and reproductive issues. Therefore, ensuring adequate vitamin intake during all stages of production is critical for maintaining healthy and productive herds.

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