# Effects of a Glycosylated Form of Active Vitamin D Combined with Natural Triterpenes on Sow Productive Performance, Mineral Homeostasis, Immune Biomarkers and Serum Proteome

## TL;DR

Adding a special form of vitamin D and plant compounds to sows' diets improved their health, reduced inflammation, and helped piglets grow better.

## Contribution

A novel combination of glycosylated vitamin D and natural triterpenes was tested for its effects on sow health and productivity.

## Key findings

- Treated sows had shorter farrowing times and lower inflammation markers compared to controls.
- Piglets from treated sows were heavier at birth and weaning, showing improved growth.
- Supplements improved calcium balance and were absorbed and active in the body.

## Abstract

This study evaluated whether adding a more bioavailable form of vitamin D, together with two natural plant-derived compounds (ursolic acid and oleanolic acid), to sow diets could improve their health and performance. Twenty-four sows in late pregnancy were divided into three groups. One group received a normal diet, while the other two groups received the same diet plus different amounts of the vitamin D and plant compound mixture. The results showed clear benefits for the supplemented sows. Both treated groups had a shorter and easier farrowing process compared with the control group. Piglets born from treated sows were heavier at birth and at weaning, showing better growth. Analyses showed that treated sows had lower levels of substances linked to inflammation. The supplements also improved calcium balance. Additional analyses confirmed that the supplemented compounds were absorbed and active in the body. Overall, adding this vitamin D and plant-based supplement to sow diets during late pregnancy and lactation helped improve sow health and supported better growth of piglets.

This study evaluated the effects of the dietary administration of a glycosylated form of active vitamin D (calcitriol, 1,25(OH)2D3) combined with ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) triterpenes on sow health and productivity. Twenty-four third-parity Landrace × Large White sows were allocated at day 108 of gestation into three groups: a control group receiving 1800 IU/kg of vitamin D3, and two treatment groups receiving the control diet supplemented with either 0.64 µg/kg (ACTD1) or 0.96 µg/kg (ACTD2) of glycosylated 1,25(OH)2D3 plus 140 or 210 µg/kg of UA + OA (4:1 ratio), respectively. Diets were administered from late gestation through the end of lactation. Farrowing duration, sow body weight, backfat thickness, and litter growth were recorded. Blood samples collected at key physiological stages were analyzed for pro-inflammatory cytokines, mineral homeostasis, endocrine markers, and serum proteome. Farrowing time was reduced in both treatment groups compared with the control (p < 0.05). Treated sows exhibited lower backfat thickness at the end of lactation and improved litter weights at farrowing, after cross-fostering, and at weaning (p < 0.05). Plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-1β) were reduced at the end of lactation in ACTD1 and ACTD2 sows, with TNF-α and IL-1β already decreased after farrowing (p < 0.05). Treated sows also displayed decreased plasma parathormone concentrations at the end of lactation, along with increased circulating 1,25(OH)2D3 and calcium concentrations after farrowing and at lactation end (p < 0.05), while plasma phosphate levels remained unchanged. Proteomic analysis supported the systemic availability of the supplemented compounds and their involvement in metabolic and inflammatory pathways rather than calcium transport or vitamin D binding mechanisms. Overall, this nutritional strategy influenced the immune modulation while maintaining mineral homeostasis via modest endocrine adaptations. Larger-scale trials are warranted to confirm these results and to evaluate their practical applicability under commercial production conditions.