Sign in Subscribe
Agricultural industry

Vitamin D Crucial for Pig Production in Organic Farms

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Vitamin D plays a vital role in pig production, according to a recent study published by the University of Ljubljana. The research aimed to determine the serum vitamin D concentration and growth performance in pigs reared on organic farms in different seasons. The study selected 109 Krskopolje pigs, divided into three groups: low altitude outdoor group A, high altitude outdoor group B, and indoor group C.

Key Takeaways:

  • The serum vitamin D levels in pigs peaked in summer for outdoor groups A and B, with average levels of 69.3 ±2.6 ng/ml and 65.3 ±4.4 ng/ml, respectively.
  • Altitude had no significant effect on vitamin D levels except in winter, where the levels were significantly lower in both groups A and B.
  • Housing type significantly influenced vitamin D levels in every season between groups B and C, and in spring, summer, and autumn between groups A and C.
  • Pigs in outdoor group A showed higher average final body weights (151.2 ±7.5 kg in 2022 and 146.8 ±3.8 kg in 2023) than those in group C (132.7 ±11.3 kg and 118.5 ±6.9 kg).
  • The study's results have significant implications for pig production in organic farms, highlighting the importance of vitamin D for growth performance.
  • The authors suggest that farmers should consider providing adequate housing and sunlight exposure to pigs to maintain optimal vitamin D levels.

Statistics:

  • 109 pigs were selected for the study.
  • The average serum vitamin D levels for outdoor groups A and B were 69.3 ±2.6 ng/ml and 65.3 ±4.4 ng/ml, respectively, in summer.
  • In winter, the average serum vitamin D levels for group A were the lowest, at 21.5 ±2.2 ng/ml, while group B had an average level of 35.2 ±2.5 ng/ml.
  • Pigs in outdoor group A had a higher average final body weight in 2022 (151.2 ±7.5 kg) and 2023 (146.8 ±3.8 kg) compared to those in group C.
  • The study was conducted over two seasons (2022 and 2023) and involved three groups of pigs (A, B, and C) with different housing types.

Sources:

  • Evaluating Seasonal Serum Vitamin D Levels And Growth Performance in Pigs From Organic Farms. Slovenian Veterinary Research, 2025.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.26873/SVR-2202-2025
  • University of Ljubljana Press (Zalozba Univerze v Ljubljani)

Read more