Vitamin D plays a crucial role in species, including swine. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3), also known as calcitriol, in influencing key reproductive processes in pig production.
International Pig Topics - Volume 40 Number 5
The active form of vitamin D, 1,25- (1,25(OH)2D3), plays a vital role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, skeletal health, immune regulation, muscle growth and a variety of other functions.
International Poultry Production - Volume 33 Number 6
Interplay of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus metabolism in eggshell formation.
Supplementation of G-1,25(OH)2D3 alters physiological pathways connected to mineral metabolism and immunity in broilers
Colostrum, the ‘first milk’ produced by mammals in the first 24 to maximal 48 hours after giving birth, differs from the milk produced later during the lactation phase (mature milk). In general, colostrum has a higher protein and a lower lactose and fat content than mature milk.International Pig Topics Volume 38 Number 3
Good chick quality and the number of fertile settable eggs per hen housed are the main drivers in broiler breeder operations. Apart from incubation conditions, successful hatchability depends on many factors related to eggshell quality (for example strength, porosity and absence of microfractures).
During the last decade, great progress has been made on the laying persistency of white and brown laying hens. As a result, there is an increasing number of flocks that pass the ‘500 eggs milestone’ in many countries. This milestone is better known as ‘500 eggs per hen housed without moulting’.
With the increasing prolificity of sows it becomes essential to adjust nutrition to cover the needs of modern breeds. An important nutrient is vitamin D, as it is a key factor in calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) metabolism. The mineral requirement of sows is very high from the third part of gestation until the end of lactation.
The macronutrient calcium (Ca) is mostly known for its crucial role in bone mineralisation and bone strength. Containing 99% of the body Ca reserves, the skeleton is the major storage site for Ca. Besides maintaining skeletal integrity, Ca is important for muscle contraction, neuronal transmission, intracellular signalling and many other functions.
The combination of high ambient temperatures and high humidity is a well-known external stressor in livestock production. Layers are particularly sensitive to heat stress, because of daily egg and eggshell production.
The number of piglets born alive, litter size at birth, and the number of weaned piglets per sow per year are reproductive traits with great economic impact on the profitability of pig production. Achieving high farrowing rates throughout the sow’s life, along with litter uniformity, are great challenges in high prolific sows.
Modern laying hens have a huge potential to produce affordable and high quality animal protein. In current practice, layers can produce over 500 eggs per hen-housed, whereas the potential of certain genetics under optimal conditions is already at least 30% higher.
The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of the tibiotarsus of male broilers at 21 and 35 days of age. The percentages of collagenous proteins (CP), non-collagenous proteins (NCP), ash, and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium), as well as weight of dried and defatted tibiotarsus in natura were determined.
Solanum glaucophyllum leaves contain high levels of glycosidically bound 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3, the most important vitamin D metabolite. The tolerance to this source was evaluated during six weeks with fifty weaned pigs fed increasing levels …
The safety of supplementing broiler feed with a standardised herbal extract, Solanum Glaucophyllum Standardised Leaves (SGSL) containing glycosylated 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and standardised to contain …
Background Vitamin D has been well-known for its function in maintaining calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and promoting bone mineralization. There is some evidence that in addition to sex steroid hormones, the classic regulators of human reproduction, …
Background: Classically, vitamin D has been implicated in bone health by promoting calcium absorption in the gut and maintenance of serum calcium and phosphate concentrations, as well as by its action on bone growth and reorganization through the action of osteoblasts and osteoclasts cells.
Improvements in broiler growth performance resulting from commercial selection are associated with poor skeletal health. Vitamin D3 plays an important role in Ca and P homeostasis and is essential for bone strength. Several studies have demonstrated that feeding biologically active metabolites of D3 [25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3] can improve bone health.
Studies were conducted to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with cholecalciferol (D3), 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2D3], 1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1α-OHD3), and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD3) on utilization of phytate P by broiler chickens.
The multiple biological effects of vitamin D are still the object of intensive research. It is critical not only for the homeostasis of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium but also for skeletal structure, immune response and performance. Pigs are able to synthesise sufficient vitamin D on their own when having outdoor access.
The plant Solanum glaucophyllum (SG) is known to contain 1α,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol in a glycosidic form (1α,25(OH)2D3-Gly). Products derived from this plant can therefore be used to support the functions of Vitamin D (VD) in men and animal.
Vitamin D requires two metabolic steps to become biologically active. In a first step 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is formed, which acts as storage form. After a tightly controlled step in kidney the active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is formed. Because kidney is the relevant metabolic organ for this conversion, 1,25(OH)2D3 needs …
1. Chemical characterisation of an extract of Solanum glaucophyllum (SG) leaves affirmed the predominant presence of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3) glycosides. The compound 1-(β-D-glucopyranosyl)-1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol was isolated for the first time from a natural source. 2. Vitamin D activity of the extract …
Covering the increasing demands for eggs and poultry meat, coupled with increasing expectations from the customers for sustainability, animal welfare and health, poses a great challenge for all poultry farmers around the world. Management and nutrition are two of the key factors for good animal performance and they are often interlinked.
As antibiotic-free broiler production, often even including ionophore coccidiostats, is becoming more common, the immunocompetence of birds becomes increasingly important. One way to achieve this is to modulate and support the immune system to increase disease resistance of the animals.
