1. Experiment Background 

In modern intensive pig farming, sow reproductive performance is one of the core indicators determining the economic benefits of pig farms. The period around weaning is a critical regulatory stage for follicle development and oocyte maturation in sows, while the early gestation stage is a key window for embryo implantation and embryonic development. The nutritional status during these two stages has a significant impact on subsequent reproductive performance. Studies have shown that 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, as an active metabolite of vitamin D₃, does not require hydroxylation in the liver and exhibits remarkable 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 using biosynthetic technology. 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 from weaning to day 30 of gestation on sow reproductive performance.

3. Materials and Methods

4. Experiment Results 4.1 Adding D-NOVO ^® to the Diet of Sows in Early Gestation Increases Litter Size 

Supplementation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ in sow diets improved sow reproductive performance; among all groups, D-NOVO ® showed the best effect. Compared with the Control Group, D-NOVO ^® increased the total number of piglets per litter, number of live piglets per litter, and number of healthy piglets per litter by 0.83, 0.96, and 0.92 heads respectively.

4.2 Adding D-NOVO ^® to the Diet of Sows in Early Gestation Promotes Calcium and Phosphorus Absorption 

Supplementation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ in sow diets increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus contents; among all groups, D-NOVO ^® showed the best effect in increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ and serum calcium contents.

4.3 D-NOVO ® Significantly Improves Oocyte Maturation Rate in In Vitro Trials 

Due to the most significant effect of D-NOVO ^® in in vivo animal trials, it was selected for in vitro trials to study its impact on oocytes. The in vitro trial results showed that adding D-NOVO ^® to the culture medium significantly increased the in vitro maturation rate of sow oocytes (evaluated by the first polar body extrusion rate).

5. Experiment Conclusion 

D-NOVO ^® improves the total number of piglets per litter and the number of healthy piglets per litter by enhancing oocyte maturation rate, as well as increasing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus contents. Additionally, it can alleviate inflammatory responses in sows, thereby further improving sow reproductive performance.