Effects of Vitamin Forms and Levels on Vitamin Bioavailability and Growth Performance in Piglets

Abstract

The objective of this study was to quantify the relative bioavailability of microencapsulated vitamins A and E in nursery pigs and compare the effects of vitamin forms and vitamin levels on the plasma vitamin content and growth performance of weaned piglets. In experiment (Exp.) 1, 12 nursery pigs (fitted with jugular catheters) were supplied at 0 h with non-microencapsulated or microencapsulated vitamin A and E. Blood samples were collected at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 36, 48, and 72 h after feeding to compare the bioavailability of oral vitamins A and E. In Exp. 2, a total of 216 crossbred weaned piglets were assigned to six treatments. This experiment was a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, with two factors for vitamin forms (non-microencapsulated and microencapsulated) and three factors for vitamin levels (the National Research Council level of vitamins, 75% commercial recommendations of vitamins (CRV) level, and a 100% CVR level). In Exp. 1, the relative bioavailability of microencapsulated vitamin E was significantly greater than that of non-microencapsulated vitamin E. In Exp. 2, the pigs fed diets containing 75% or 100% CRV levels of vitamins increased their growth performance and plasma vitamin concentrations compared to the control group. In conclusion, microencapsulation can improve the bioavailability of vitamins, and supplementation with high levels of vitamins was able to improve the growth performance of the piglets.

Determination and Evaluation of Bioavailability of Vitamins from Different Multivitamin Supplements Using a Pig Model

“…A potential limitation of this study is the interaction between native vitamins and synthesized vitamins. The current study found that the blood distribution of retinol after oral vitamin administration was consistent with previous research [14,19]. Jang et al investigated temporal plasma vitamin status in a 20-day trial period for suckling pigs after high dose of fat-soluble vitamins administration [20].…”

“…Catheters were flushed daily with heparinized sterile saline to prevent blockage. This procedure was described previously [13,14]. At the day before the start of the experiment, pigs fasted overnight except for water so that the experimental meal containing the tested substance could be finished in a short time.…”

“…Subsequently, jugular blood specimens were taken at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h post-treatment. These time points were designed according to previous study [14]. Blood sampling was carefully conducted to avoid any excitement of pigs.…”

The strategies for the supplementation of vitamins and trace minerals in pig production: surveying major producers in China

“…The reason for this is the increasing awareness of the detrimental effects of the excessive minerals to the environment, as well as the soaring cost of vitamins. It has been demonstrated that removing of vitamins and trace minerals in some life stages dose not affect the pig performance response [27][28][29][30]. These are some reasons the lack of performance response resulting from vitamin fortification.…”

New Trends in Biosciences

“…Other authors try to quantify the relative bioavailability of microencapsulated vitamins A and E in nursery pigs and compare the effects of vitamin forms and vitamin levels on the plasma vitamin content and growth performance of weaned piglets. Results show that microencapsulation can improve the bioavailability of vitamins, and supplementation with high levels of vitamins was able to improve the growth performance of the piglets [14].…”