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\u2009μg of 25-hydroxicholecalciferol kg-1 . The use of 25-hydroxicholecalciferol tended (P\u2009=\u20090.052) to improve total born and influenced (P\u2009=\u20090.046) on number of born alive. Litter weight at birth was also increased (P\u2009=\u20090.01) by 25-hydroxicholecalciferol supplementation; 25-hydroxicholecalciferol supplementation and housing system (free-range with sunlight exposure) tended to increase weaning weight (P\u2009=\u20090.07) and litter daily gain (P\u2009=\u20090.051) 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\u2009ng\xa0mL-1 ; P\u2009=\u20090.035) and lactation (120.29 vs. 88.93\u2009ng\xa0mL-1 ; P\u2009=\u20090.026). 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.