Capsaicin and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) Glycoside: Effects on the Reproductive Performance of Hyper-Prolific Sows

SIMPLE SUMMARY: To investigate the potential benefits of phytogenic additives in improving the reproductive performance of sows, we evaluated the effects of capsaicin (CAP) and vitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)], obtained from Capsicum spp. and Solanum glaucophyllum, respectively. Our experiments examined the effects of these additives when used in combination or individually. The results of our study indicate that supplementing diets with vitamin 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) can reduce the duration of farrowing, stillbirths, and dystocia rate. Colostrum production was also significantly higher in sows that received Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) supplementation. Furthermore, the use of these additives contributed to litter growth and reduced the incidence of diarrhea in piglets. These findings suggest that CAP and Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) could serve as valuable tools to improve the reproductive performance of sows. ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of a natural source of vitamin D(3) [1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)] and capsaicin (CAP) in the dietary supplementation of sows in the final phase (85–114 days) of gestation (Gest) and lactation (Lact) on the reproductive performance of the sows and health of piglets through two experiments (Exp I and II). In Exp I, 120 sows were subjected to four treatments: T1—control (without [1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)] and supplemental CAP); T2—3.5 µg 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)/Gest/day and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)/Lact/day; T3—7.0 µg CAP/Gest/day and 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day; T4—1.75 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) + 3.5 µg CAP/Gest/day and 3.5 µg 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) + 7.0 µg CAP/Lact/day. In Exp II, 200 sows were randomly blocked, factorial 2 × 2 (without or with Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and without or with CAP): T1—control (without Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) and CAP); T2—3.5 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)/Gest/day and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)/Lact/day; T3—7.0 µg CAP/Gest/day and 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day; T4—3.5 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) + 7 µg CAP/Gest/day; and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) + 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day. The duration of delivery (3:48 vs. 4:57 h) and the percentage of stillbirths (5.37% vs. 7.61%) were improved (p < 0.05) in the group that received Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) (Exp II) compared to the control group. Moreover, the dystocia rate decreased (p < 0.05) in Exp II, which received Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) (4.21 vs. 27.63%), and in Exp I, which received the combination of Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) + CAP (12 vs. 40%) compared to the respective control groups. Colostrum production was greater (p < 0.05) in sows that received Vit 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) supplementation compared to the control group, consequently resulting in higher colostrum intake (p < 0.05) of the piglets (330 vs. 258 g/piglet). The additives reduced the incidence of diarrhea (p < 0.05) in piglets (Exp I and II). Thus, the use of additives improved the reproductive performance of sows and contributed to litter growth.