Optimizing swine productivity with enhanced vitamin D nutrition Antoine Meuter, Category Manager EMEA, DSMGilberto Litta, Global Category Manager Vitamins Animal Nutrition & Health, DSM

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Optimizing swine productivity with enhanced vitamin D nutrition Antoine Meuter, Category Manager EMEA, DSMGilberto Litta, Global Category Manager Vitamins Animal Nutrition & Health, DSM

With today’s pig industry facing increasing economic pressure and meat demand, producers are constantly looking for nutritional additives aimed at fully exploiting their animals’ genetic potential and increasing the overall profitability of their business. Optimum vitamin D nutrition in particular can provide such benefits when added to pig feed. Indeed, not only does this vitamin play a vital role in bone development, but research findings show that it can directly contribute to a number of other essential functions, including reproduction, muscle development and immune response modulation.

Vitamin D3 and its metabolitesThere are two types of naturally occurring vitamin D. In plants, the predominant form is ergocalciferol (D2), while in animals, the predominant form is cholecalciferol (D3). Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and is therefore absorbed alongside other dietary lipids via the lymphatic system, a process that is already well defined. Following absorption, vitamin D is transported to the liver, where it is converted (hydroxylated) to 25-OH-D3 – the main circulating form of the vitamin – otherwise known as calcifediol. This hydroxylation step allows vitamin D to circulate in the water-dominated environment of the blood system. Subsequently, a second hydroxyl group is added to 25-OH-D3 (primarily in the kidneys) to produce the active vitamin, 1,25-(OH)2-D3 (calcitriol), which is even more water-friendly. This compound, made from the highly-regulated step of vitamin metabolism, is actually a hormone that acts on intestinal cells to enhance calcium and phosphorus absorption for bone formation and other bodily functions. Without vitamin D, dietary calcium and phosphorus are poorly utilized.

Supplementing 25-OH-D3 directly to the diet is highly beneficial to animal health and productivity. Today, there is a commercially available form of 25-OH-D3 by DSM Nutritional Products called Rovimix Hy-D®. This calcifediol additive is less hydrophobic than the conventional vitamin D3 used in premixes and is therefore absorbed more easily than pure vitamin D3. In addition, because it is already one step ahead in the natural metabolism of vitamin D, it bypasses the first step of hydroxylation in the liver, reaching the blood stream quickly and efficiently (Fig. 1). Bypassing this first metabolic step is important, because normal liver metabolism acts as a barrier to hydroxylation of superfluous quantities of supplemental standard vitamin D3. The importance of the bypass is further highlighted by the fact that today most experts agree that feeding Hy-D® is the only way to increase blood levels of 25-OH-D3.

Fig. 1. Hy-D® – a unique mode of action

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1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25OH2D3 Active form)

Skin UVB irradiation

Liver hydroxylation

Kidney hydroxylation

Dietary Vitamin D3

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)

7-dehydrocholesterol

25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3, Circulating form)

1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25OH2D3 Active form)

Skin UVB irradiation

Liver hydroxylation

Kidney hydroxylation

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)

7-dehydrocholesterol Hy-D®

25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3, Circulating form)

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Optimizing vitamin D status

An optimum vitamin D status can allow sows to reach their productivity targets, in line with their genetic potential (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2. Optimal plasma levels of 25-OH-D3 in sows

Did you know?One gram of Hy-D® can replace 500 International Units (IU) of vitamin D3 in feed applications, allowing for enhanced vitamin D status. For example, circulating levels of 25-OH-D3 are significantly higher in sows receiving Hy-D®, when compared to sows fed equivalent levels of vitamin D3, throughout the reproductive cycle (Lauridsen et al.2010; Weber et al., 2013).

Lactating sows

25-O

H-D 3

, ng/

ml o

f pla

sma

Dose, IU/kg

2030405060708090

100

200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200

Hy-D® = 0.0278x + 7.63

D3 = 0.0073x + 10.43

Source: modified from Lauridsen et al. 2010. J. Anim. Sci., 88:202-213

Sow’s reproductive cycle

Plas

ma 2

5-OH

-D3 (

ng/m

l)

2030405060708090

100

Breeding Week -1 Farrowing Week +1 Weaning

Vit D3 2000 IU/kg Hy-D® 50 μg/kg

1st cycle

Trial ETH, Zurich: 36 primiparous and multiparous sows followed during4 parity cycles; 9 sows each per treatment, 5 blood samplings for each cycleSource: Weber et al., 2013 J. Anim. Sci., 92:899-909

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It is widely known that of all the species tested, piglets are born with the lowest circulating levels of 25(OH)D3. This is because perinatal maternal transfer (via placenta and milk) of vitamin D to the piglet is very limited. Maternal supplementation with Hy-D® in both gestation and lactation increases 25-OH-D3 concentrations in both sow milk and placenta (Weber et al., 2013), leading to higher vitamin D status in the plasma of suckling piglets (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3. Milk level in sows and plasma level in piglets

In general, 25(OH)D3 plasma concentration of weanling piglets fed a diet containing 2000 IU vitamin D3 hardly reaches 15 ng/ml around 30 days of age and does not exceed 20 ng/ml at the end of the post-weaning phase. However, any compromise to the piglet at this critical stage of production has repeatedly been shown to impact negatively on animal performance throughout life to slaughter. A study shows that piglets supplemented with Hy-D® and on fattener diets gained optimized animal vitamin D status leading to stronger performance, immunity and leg health (Fig. 4).

25-OH-D3 concentration in sow’s milk

25-O

H-D 3

in m

ilk (n

mol

/L)

Vitamin D3: 2000 IU/kg feed; Hy-D®: 50 µg25-OH-D3 /kg feed

P1: C

olos

trum

P2: C

olos

trum

P3: C

olos

trum

P1: L

act.

day 9

P2: L

act.

day 9

P3: L

act.

day 9

P1: W

eani

ng

P2: W

eani

ng

P3: W

eani

ng

2468

1012141618

Vitamin D3 Hy-D®

25-OH-D3 concentration in blood plasma of suckling piglets

25-O

H-D3

in p

lasm

a (ng

/ml)

Week 3 Weaning

6 5.076.06

3.97

8.578

10

0

2

4

Source: Weber et al., 2013, Journal of Animal Science

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Supporting bone health in swineCalcium, phosphorus and vitamin D play a key role in skeletal development and bone health.

Pre-breeding Gilts and SowsProfitability in swine production depends on optimizing the lifetime output per breeding place. Considerable genetic selection improvements have already been made in reproductive performance, litter size and feed conversion efficiency. However, significant improvements can still be made in lifetime productivity per sow. Herd replacements are the second largest cost of swine production after feed, and culling sows before three parities has a negative impact on profitability.

A very strong skeletal frame is required to fully exploit the genetic potential of a breeding female. Good leg and feet health is an important criterion when selecting replacement breeding stock. Up to 30% of gilts selected as herd replacements may be rejected for structural failure before they produce even a single litter. Among the top three reasons for sows leaving breeding herds are leg and frame weaknesses. Leg weakness in pigs and sows aged between four and eighteen months is often due to osteochondrosis.

Did you know?Herd replacements are the second largest cost of swine production after feed, and culling sows before three or four parities has a negative impact on profitability.

25-O

H-D3

pla

sma c

once

ntra

tion

(ng/

mL)

Suckling piglet

6 - 8kg BW 12 - 20kg BW > 70kg BW40kg BW

80

4.5 7.3

14

49

17

60

20

86

19

8590

100

010203040506070

Control feed: 2000 I.U. vitamin D3/kg feedHy-D® feed: 50 mcg 25OHD3/Kg feed (equivalent to 2000 IU D3)

Control Hy-D®

Fig. 4. Vitamin D status in piglets/growing pigs

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Supplementation of 25-OH-D3 during the gilt rearing phase prevents skeletal problems and increases the selection rate, due to improved bone mineral density (Fig. 5 and Fig. 6). Furthermore, guaranteeing high plasma levels of 25-OH-D3 during the critical lactation period ensures the synthesis of sufficient 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. This active form of vitamin D is involved in maintaining calcium and phosphorus homeostasis by encouraging intestinal absorption of the calcium and phosphorus; mobilization of bone calcium; and reabsorption of phosphorus by the kidneys. Therefore, supplementing feed with Hy-D® very early on in the life of the gilt (development phase) and continuing to provide this supplement during the production phase (gestation-lactation) seems to result in improved bone health and increased longevity. Last but not least, a sow which is not lame will eat normally and optimum productivity will therefore be ensured!

Fig. 5. Improved bone mineral density of different portions of long bones

Fig. 6. Improved gilts’ selection rate

500

550

600

650

350

400

450

Min

eral

den

sity (

mg/

mm

3)

Vitamin D3 (2000 IU/kg) Hy-D® (50 μg/kg)

300Epiphysis

420.5 431.7

Metaphysis

528.9

a b

561.2

Diaphysis

a b

452.2

474.4

Proximal Epiphysis

Distal Epiphysis

Metaphysis

Metaphysis

Diaphysis

Simoes Nunes et al., CRNA 2009 (unpublished)

Source: Summary of field trials

0%

4%

8%

12%

16%

20%

Vietnam 2009

Italy 2014

2%

Europe 2014

5%

18%

Mexico 2008

7%

Germany 2008

7%

Average

8%

% Improvement Hy-D® vs. Vitamin D3

6

Piglets and fatteners Piglets and growing pigs can also suffer from vitamin D deficiency and its associated health issues.

In a study conducted in Japan, Pr Sugiyama from Niigata University looked at the potential effect of 25-OH-D3 in terms of preventing osteochondrosis in pigs from 6 kg to 110 kg live weight, through a feeding period. (Fig. 7).

Fig. 7. Reduced incidence of osteochondrosis

The piglets supplemented with Hy-D® had plasma levels of 25-OH-D3 that were considerably higher than the control group supplemented with standard vitamin D3 and showed a lower incidence of osteochondrosis. The percentage of cartilage lesions was in fact significantly lower for both the humerus and the femur. Based on these macroscopic and histopathological observations, it was therefore clearly demonstrated that supplementing with 25-OH-D3 can inhibit the development of osteochondrosis and help to maintain normal endochondral ossification in pigs. Besides its positive effect on bone strength and mineralization, 25-OH-D3 acts directly on the chondrocytes, which are cells involved in the synthesis and maintenance of cartilaginous tissues, and on the vitamin D receptors expressed in the joint cartilage.

Did you know?Piglets deficient in vitamin D can result in bone micro fractures and/or rickets by the time they are weaned, while growing pigs’ vitamin D deficiency can cause poor bone strength and lead to lameness, rickets, osteochondrosis and bone fractures.

Source: Sugiyama et al., 2013 Animal Science Journal, 84, 341-349

40%

60%

80%

100%

20%

0%

Lesio

ns %

Humerus

43.8%

a ab b

20.6%

87.5%

52.9%

Femur

a,b P<0,05

Vitamin D3 Hy-D®

Very severe

Severe

Mild

7

Improving sow productivity and litter performance

Calcium requirements for sows are higher during lactation and deficiency can cause Periparturient Hypogalactial Syndrome (PHS), leading to negative consequences: difficult or slow farrowing, increased stillbirth incidence, poor sow milk yield and poor sow feed intake.

Low calcium levels in piglets can also have negative effects, such as: weak vitality, slow speed of first suckling, decreased livability (less weaned piglets) and low weight gain.

On the other hand, optimized calcium homeostasis and logistics in hyper prolific sows has a tremendous impact on sows’ reproductive performance, productivity and piglet health.

Hy-D® supplementation in sows’ diets increases calcium availability and therefore leads to:• Improved conception rate (Hines et al., 2013)

• Facilitated farrowing process and less farrowing complications (Meuter et al.,) (Fig. 8)

• Lower risk of still born piglets (Fig. 9) as Hy-D® contributes to good muscle function

• Quicker start to milk production, having a positive effect on growth (Sorensen et al., 2016) (Fig. 10)

• Increased livability of litter (Sorensen et al. ,2016) (Fig. 11)

Fig. 8. Maternal supplementation for facilitation of farrowing process

Did you know?Calcium plays a critical role in embryo implantation, farrowing time and milk yield in sows.

0%

10%5%

Artificial stimulation of uterine

contractions

Artificial stimulation of farrowing

Lack of milk production

Sow fever Palpation of birth canal

15%20%

30%25%

35%40%

34%

22%

15%

8%

5%

0%

0%

31%

a b a b

11%14%

Vitamin D3 Hy-D®

Source: Trial France, 2012; Meuter et al., JRP 2016 (in press) a, b P< 0.05

8

Fig. 9. Maternal supplementation for improved sow productivity

Fig. 10. Maternal supplementation for improved litter performance

Fig. 11. Maternal supplementation for improved litter livability

Source: Summary of experimental and field trials

-50%-40%-30%-20%-10%

0%10%20%30%

PHIL 2008 F 2009DK 2010D 2008

F 2010 E 2011 UK 2011 F 2012 D 2012 Average

-16%

% Improvement Hy-D® vs. Vitamin D3

Source: Summary of experimental and field trials

-10%

-5%

0%

5%

10%

15%

% Improvement Hy-D® vs. Vitamin D3

D 2008 PHIL 2008

MEX 2010

DK 2010 NL 2011 PL 2011 F 2012 D 2012 IT 2014 DK 2015 Average

E 2011

3.4%2.6%

Piglet birth weight Piglet weaning weight

-10%

-5%

0%

5%

10%

% Improvement Hy-D® vs. Vitamin D3

Source: Summary of experimental and field trials

Born alive Weaned

D 2008 PHIL 2008

MEX 2010F 2009

DK 2010

F 2012

D 2012PL 2011 IT 2014 DK 2015 AverageE 2011 F 2012F 2010

2.9%2.1%

9

Hy-D® boosts piglet immune responseMore recent research has focused on the effects of feeding Hy-D® on piglet immunity. Results  indicated that newly weaned pigs fed diets containing Hy-D® had significantly higher numbers of immune cells, as well as increased viability and phagocytic activity of those cells (Konowalchuk et al., 2013). These results indicate that an optimum level of vitamin D can improve performance of newly weaned piglets by enhancing the efficiency of their cellular immune response, as well as their humoral immune response. Indeed Hy-D® is also able to positively modulate the Immunoglobulins G blood levels without compromising piglet performance (Meuter et al., 2016).

This finding is clearly of tremendous value in the management of the young pig, and in particular, of the young pig at weaning. The transition from suckled to weaned state simultaneously exposes the piglet to high levels of disease challenge, while depriving it of access to the immune protection provided by factors in the sow milk. Moreover, commercial practice means that pigs are weaned from the sow at between three and five weeks of age, a stage in the young pig’s life when its own ability to mount (and regulate) an immune response is far from fully developed. Any compromise to the piglet at this critical stage of production has repeatedly been shown to impact negatively on animal performance through to slaughter.

Muscle development stimulation for higher red meat yieldStudies suggest that enhancing vitamin D status beyond simply preventing deficiency can allow animals to reach their genetic potential for skeletal muscle development and hypertrophy, as well as overall growth performance, thus providing maximum benefit to all sectors of the pork meat industries.

Piglets born from sows receiving Hy-D® have a higher number of muscle fibers and a higher myoblast activity (Starkey, 2014) (Fig. 12). This should ultimately increase animal potential for red meat yield. Furthermore, the positive effect of a continuous 25-OH-D3 supplementation on pig performance has been confirmed in a full cycle study where the progeny of sows fed with Hy-D® were also supplemented with Hy-D® in their piglet and fattener diet. The findings therefore suggest that both maternal and postnatal vitamin D supplementation are necessary for optimal skeletal muscle development and growth.

Did you know?Pigs born with fewer muscle fibers normally grow less than piglets born with more fibers, suggesting that high numbers of muscle fibers are a requirement for good growth.

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Fig. 12. Muscle development stimulation

ConclusionIn conclusion, vitamin D can play a significant role in swine performance and health. Recent studies provide strong support for the significant impact that a specific vitamin D metabolite, Hy-D® can have for optimizing animal vitamin D status, improving bone health and acting on the immune system and muscle growth. Tremendous economic value is therefore achieved by producers, thanks to enhanced sow lifetime performance and overall pig productivity.

References available on request.

Source: Hines E.A. et al., J. Anim. Sci., 2013, 91: 4116-4122

24 48 72 96

Vitamin D3 Hy-D® P =

Total fiber muscle number 839.7 917.6 0.04

Total myogenic precursor cells* 87.2 95.1 0.12

0102030405060708090

100

Time, h

* *

**

Pax7

+ /B

rdU

+ ce

lls, %

40 first parity gilts; 43 d prior to breeding and throughout d 90 of gestation* Treatment p<0.10** Treatment p<0.0001

Control Hy-D®

11

Literature CitedLauridsen C., Halekoh U., Larsen T., Jensen S.K., 2010. Reproductive performance and bone status markers of gilts and lactating sows supplemented with two different forms of vitamin D. J. Anim. Sci., 88, 202-213.

Starkey J.D., 2014. A role for vitamin D in skeletal muscle development and growth. A role for vitamin D in skeletal muscle development and growth. J. Anim. Sci., 92, 887–892.

Sugiyama T., Kusuhara S., Chung TK., Yonekura H., Azem E., Hayakawa T., 2013. Effects of 25-hydroxy-cholecalciferol on the development of osteochondrosis in swine. Anim. Sci. J. 84, 341–349.

Weber G.M., Witschi A.K.M., Wenk C., Martens H., 2014. 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and cholecalciferol on blood vitamin D and mineral status. J. Anim. Sci., 92, 899–909.

Barreda, D.R., J. D. Konowalchuk J.D, A. M. Rieger A.M, M. E. Wong M.E and J. J. Havixbeck J.J. 2014. Novel roles for vitamin D in animal immunity and health. J. Anim. Sci. 2014, 92, 930-938.

Konowalchuk, J. D., A. M. Rieger A.M, M. D. Kiemele M.D, D. C. Ayres D.C, and D. R. Barreda D.R. 2013. Modulation of weanling pig cellular immunity in response to diet supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitaminD(3). Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol., 155, 57–66.

Meuter A, Thoby JM, Lichou JY., Renouf B. 2016. Effect of dietary 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol on performance of gestating and lactating sows and their litters. Journée Recherche Porcine, 48, 153-154.

Meuter A, Thoby JM, Lichou JY., Renouf B. 2016. Modulation role of dietary 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol on immune response of weanling piglets. Journée Recherche Porcine, 48, 347-348.

Hines EA, J. D. Coffey, C. W. Starkey, T. K. Chung and J. D. Starkey, 2013. Feeding 25-hydroxycholecalciferol improves gilt reproductive performance and fetal vitamin D status. J. Anim. Sci 2012, 90:3783-3788.

Sorensen G., Nielsen MBF, 2016. Hy-D® in sow feed increases number of weaned pigs and litter weight at weaning. Pig Research Center.Trial N°1062.

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