Abstract
ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the cholecalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol glycoside supplementation in piglet diet on organ biometry and physicochemical composition, pH of the digestive tract contents, and bone traits. A total of 128 entire male piglets (21 days-old, 6.82±0.38 kg body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized block design with eight replications and four animals per experimental unit. The treatments were composed of a diet 100/0 = 100% of the vitamin D supplemented with cholecalciferol; 50/50 = 50% supplemented with cholecalciferol + 0.25 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside; 25/75 = 25% supplemented with cholecalciferol + 0.375 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside; and 0/100 = 0.50 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside. The results indicated that piglets fed 100/0 showed an increase in spleen weight compared with those fed 0/100 and greater heart dry matter than piglets fed the 50/50 diet. Phosphorus concentration in the spleen was higher in piglets that received 25/75 when compared with those that received the 100/0 and 0/100 diets. Piglets that received the 0/100 diet showed higher pH of the stomach contents, but showed reduced pH of the contents of the jejunum and ileum. The width of the epiphysis and diaphysis was greater when piglets consumed the 50/50 treatment; however, a lower epiphysis height was observed. The use of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside alone in piglet diets does not negatively influence the pH of the gastrointestinal tract and organ physicochemical composition. In addition, the use of diets with 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside as a replacement for cholecalciferol reduces spleen weight and promotes improvements in bone development.
Highlights
The metabolic system of vitamin D is primarily known to be essential for mineral homeostasis and bone metabolism
The treatments were composed of a diet 100/0 = 100% of the vitamin D supplemented with cholecalciferol; 50/50 = 50% supplemented with cholecalciferol + 0.25 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside; 25/75 = 25% supplemented with cholecalciferol + 0.375 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside; and 0/100 = 0.50 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3 glycoside
The results indicated that piglets fed 100/0 showed an increase in spleen weight compared with those fed 0/100 and greater heart dry matter than piglets fed the 50/50 diet
Summary
The metabolic system of vitamin D is primarily known to be essential for mineral homeostasis and bone metabolism. Calcitriol [1,25(OH)2D3] increases the intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption of calcium (Ca2+) and phosphorus (P). These effects are mediated by VDR (vitamin D receptor) and regulate the expression of several genes by the binding to the vitamin D responsive element (VDRE) (Bergwitz and Jüppner, 2010; Haussler et al, 2011). Other actions of 1,25(OH)2D3 is the effect of VDR suppression present in immune cells, preventing an excessive response by the immune system by reducing spleen weight (Hewison, 2012). The intracrine production of vitamin D by immune system cells in the presence of the enzyme 1α-hydroxylase stimulates the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides such as catelicidins, which contribute to the initial defense against pathogens and infections (Cantorna, 2010; White, 2010)
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