1. Experiment Background 

The lifetime productivity of sows is a core indicator determining the economic benefits of pig farms. The annual culling rate of sows in large-scale pig farms is approximately 40%-50%, among which reproductive disorders and limb-hoof problems are two key factors affecting PSY (Pigs Weaned per Sow per Year) and service life—especially for young sows. Therefore, how to improve the lifetime productivity of sows has become a critical bottleneck to be solved in the pig industry. 

Studies have shown that 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, as an active metabolite of vitamin D₃, does not require hepatic hydroxylation and has significant effects in regulating calcium-phosphorus homeostasis, immune modulation, and improving animal reproductive performance. D-NOVO 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ is independently developed and produced by our company. It features high absorption efficiency (water-soluble active ingredients), good stability, excellent mixing uniformity, and environmental friendliness. 

2. Experiment Objective 

To study the effects of adding 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ from different sources (0.05%) to the diet of sows during late gestation and lactation on the reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.

3. Materials and Methods

4. Experiment Results 

4.1 Adding D-NOVO 25-Hydroxyvitamin D₃ to the Diet of Sows During Late Gestation and Lactation Increases the Number of Healthy Piglets per Litter, Litter Weight at Birth, and Litter Weight at Weaning 

25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ added to the diet of sows during late gestation and lactation improved sow reproductive performance and litter weight gain. Among all groups, D-NOVO  25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ showed the best improvement effect: compared with the other three groups, it increased the number of healthy piglets per litter by 0.53, 0.31, and 0.56 heads respectively, and increased litter weight gain at weaning by 8.38 kg, 3.25 kg, and 6.22 kg respectively.

4.2 Adding D-NOVO 25-Hydroxyvitamin D₃ to the Diet of Sows During Late Gestation and Lactation Improves Colostrum Quality 

Compared with the other three groups, D-NOVO significantly increased the contents of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ and immunoglobulin IgG in colostrum. This indicates that D-NOVO  has higher absorption efficiency and is more deposited in colostrum through the bloodstream, thereby improving colostrum quality and the growth performance of piglets during lactation.

4.3 Adding D-NOVO  25-Hydroxyvitamin D₃ to the Diet of Sows During Late Gestation and Lactation Improves Piglet Bone Health 

Compared with the other three groups, D-NOVO  increased the contents of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus in weaned piglets, as well as bone calcium content and femur length.

5. Experiment Conclusion 

D-NOVO  improves the number of healthy piglets per litter and colostrum quality of sows by enhancing the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities of sows (more detailed data can be obtained by contacting our technical staff), thereby improving the litter weight gain of piglets. In addition, D-NOVO enhances piglet bone health by promoting calcium and phosphorus absorption and the mother-offspring integration effect. Overall, it shows the best performance in improving sow reproductive performance and piglet growth performance.