Farrowing time in sows is reduced by an herbal extract, containg the active form of vitamin D3

Modern pig farming is still associated with a high pre-weaning mortality, which is partly caused by a slow progress of piglet expulsion. Most of the deaths occur around the time of farrowing and therefore farrowing is the most critical phase in pig production. The impact of farrowing includes not only the litter survival and subsequent health of the piglets, but also the feed intake and fertility of the sows. So farrowing rate is a main factor for consistent pig production and profitability of pig farming. Since tedious labor may be caused by weak muscle tonus, dietary calcium levels are expected to be important. Calcium homeostasis, is regulated by vitamin D and its active metabolites.

Solanum glaucophyllum, a South American plant, cultivated for its content of 1,25(OH)₂ D₃, contains the active form of vitamin D in a glycosidic form. The water-soluble extract of the plant is converted into a standardized granulated powder, characterized as “Solbone”, containing 50 microgram 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ per g. This active metabolite of vitamin D is able to improve calcium homeostasis in chicken, cows and in pigs. Our hypothesis was, that “Solbone” influences the farrowing time positively and as a consequence the survival and health of piglets as well as the fertility of the sow might improve.

In an organic piglet producing farm, seven sows (German Large White x German Landrace) were mated with a Pietrain boar. One week before calculated parturition date, the animals were moved into individual farrowing pens with video cameras installed. Solbone application via feed (1g per day and per sow) started seven days before the expected and calculated parturition. The animals were randomly assigned to a control group or Solbone group. In the second trial (6 months later) a cross-over trial was performed. So over a total of four trials each animal was assigned twice to the control group and twice to the Solbone group. Calcium and 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ were measured in blood before and after supplementing “Solbone” for one week.

Serum 1,25(OH)₂ D₃ increased significantly under the influence of “Solbone”. Blood calcium was higher in the “Solbone”-fed sows as those in control groups. As outcome over four experimental rounds a significant reduction of 25 % (from 279 minutes to 209 minutes) in farrowing time was observed under the vitamin D product as compared to control.

A reduction of the farrowing time in sows might reduce pre-weaning mortality, since it is well-known that stillborn piglets are delivered after longer birth intervals than liveborn piglets.

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared.