Study links vitamins to stronger reproductive outcomes in sows

Micronutrient supplementation in early gestation helps sows achieve larger litters and healthier piglets, even with lower feed intake.

A new study by researchers from the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology and Maejo University has found that feeding strategies enriched with vitamins and minerals can significantly improve reproductive performance in sows during early gestation. The research highlights how micronutrient supplementation, particularly vitamin E, influences litter size and piglet survival without altering progesterone concentration.

Nutrition shapes embryo survival

Early gestation is a crucial stage marked by embryo implantation and rapid conceptus elongation. During this period, oxidative stress often leads to embryo loss, with up to 30% of embryos failing to survive. Nutritional management plays a central role in stabilizing the uterine environment, and progesterone concentration is closely linked to embryo development.

While high feed intake can support fetal growth, it may also accelerate progesterone clearance, potentially reducing litter size. Vitamins and minerals, especially antioxidants like vitamin E, help counter oxidative stress and support reproductive success.

Feeding strategies tested

The experiment involved 36 first-parity sows divided into four treatment groups. One group received a standard 1.5 kg/day diet, while others were fed the same ration supplemented with 1.7 times the vitamins and minerals, including 150 IU of vitamin E. A fourth group received a higher feed intake of 2.5 kg/day.