Capsaicin and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Glycoside: Effects on the Reproductive Performance of Hyper-Prolific Sows

This study evaluated the effect of a natural source of vitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] and capsaicin (CAP) in the dietary supplementation of sows in the final phase (85–114 days) of gestation (Gest) and lactation (Lact) on the reproductive performance of the sows and health of piglets through two experiments (Exp I and II). In Exp I, 120 sows were subjected to four treatments: T1—control (without [1,25-(OH)2D3] and supplemental CAP); T2—3.5 µg 1,25-(OH)2D3/Gest/day and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3/Lact/day; T3—7.0 µg CAP/Gest/day and 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day; T4—1.75 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 + 3.5 µg CAP/Gest/day and 3.5 µg 1,25-(OH)2D3 + 7.0 µg CAP/Lact/day. In Exp II, 200 sows were randomly blocked, factorial 2 × 2 (without or with Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 and without or with CAP): T1—control (without Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 and CAP); T2—3.5 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3/Gest/day and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3/Lact/day; T3—7.0 µg CAP/Gest/day and 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day; T4—3.5 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 + 7 µg CAP/Gest/day; and 7.0 µg Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 + 14.0 µg CAP/Lact/day. The duration of delivery (3:48 vs. 4:57 h) and the percentage of stillbirths (5.37% vs. 7.61%) were improved (p < 0.05) in the group that received Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 (Exp II) compared to the control group. Moreover, the dystocia rate decreased (p < 0.05) in Exp II, which received Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 (4.21 vs. 27.63%), and in Exp I, which received the combination of Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 + CAP (12 vs. 40%) compared to the respective control groups. Colostrum production was greater (p < 0.05) in sows that received Vit 1,25-(OH)2D3 supplementation compared to the control group, consequently resulting in higher colostrum intake (p < 0.05) of the piglets (330 vs. 258 g/piglet). The additives reduced the incidence of diarrhea (p < 0.05) in piglets (Exp I and II). Thus, the use of additives improved the reproductive performance of sows and contributed to litter growth.