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Antioxidants (Nutrients)

Dietary Vitamin D3 Supplementation Boosts Antioxidant Status in Weaning Pigs

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

New research has shed light on the effects of dietary vitamin D3 supplementation on the growth performance, blood vitamin D status, and antioxidant capacity in weaning pigs. The study, conducted at the University of Georgia, found that supplementing weaning pigs with higher-than-recommended levels of vitamin D3 could be beneficial in enhancing their antioxidant status and overall health. The research suggests that this dietary approach could lead to improved growth performance and better overall health in these young animals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study evaluated the effects of dietary vitamin D3 supplementation on growth performance, blood vitamin D, and antioxidant status in weaning pigs.
  • Forty newly weaned piglets were assigned to two treatments: NRC-VD3 (recommended levels) and High-VD (high levels of vitamin D3).
  • Growth performance did not differ in the overall nursery period, but feed intake was lower in the High-VD group than the NRC-VD3 group.
  • Supplementing weaning pigs with higher-than-recommended levels of vitamin D3 could be beneficial to enhance their antioxidant status and overall health.
  • The study measured plasma 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
  • Pearson correlation coefficients between plasma 25-OHD and SOD, MDA, or T-AOC were determined.

Statistics:

  • 40 piglets were used in the study (6.02 ± 1.17 kg).
  • The study spanned a 28-day period.
  • Vitamin D3 supplementation levels were: NRC-VD3 (220 IU/kg in Phase 1 and 200 IU/kg in Phase 2) and High-VD (2,000 IU/kg in Phase 1 and 2).
  • Plasma 25-OHD levels were measured at d 14 and 28 postweaning.
  • T-AOC levels were measured at d 14 and 28 postweaning.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Research Conducted at University of Georgia Has Updated Our Knowledge about Animal Bioscience (Effects of dietary vitamin D3 supplementation on growth performance, blood vitamin D status, and antioxidant capacity in weaning pigs). Life Science Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 4933.

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