Laura Jahn

Vitamin D improves the reproductive efficiency in animals. This study aimed to examine the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-gylcosides (1,25-vitD) on the farrowing process in sows and the vitality of their piglets. In total, 100 sows were allocated into two groups at insemination (‘1,25-vitD’ and ‘negative control’). The 1,25-vitD group received 260−300 mg/sow/day 1,25-vitD in their feed during the gestation period. Backfat thickness, fecal score, and the farrowing process was evaluated. The piglets were categorized into live born or stillborn, and vitality was evaluated by assessing the umbilical cord and the meconium score. The number of total-born piglets in sows of ‘1,25-vitD’ was higher and the farrowing duration was shorter than in the negative control group without showing significance in the univariable analysis. In a linear multiple regression model including the variables ‘farrowing duration’, ‘total born piglets’ and ‘1,25-vitD’ differences became evident. We found that 1,25-vitD was associated with a reduced farrowing duration (p = 0.055). Moreover, significantly more mummies (p < 0.01) and short ruptured umbilical cords (p < 0.05) were observed in the 1,25-vitD group. This study showed an effect of 1,25-vitD on the farrowing process. However, more research is needed to better describe the mechanism of 1,25-vitD in detail.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit a highly increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Subtle changes in left ventricular function can be detected by two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). This study investigated whether myocardial dysfunction detected by 2D STE may aid in CV and all-cause mortality risk assessment in patients with CKD stages 3 and 4. METHOD: A study group of 285 patients (CKD 3: 193 patients; CKD 4: 92 patients) and a healthy control group (34 participants) were included in the retrospective study. 2D STE values as well as early and late diastolic strain rates were measured in ventricular longitudinal, circumferential and radial directions. Patients' CV and all-cause outcome was determined. RESULTS: In the CKD group all measured longitudinal STE values and radial strain were significantly reduced compared to the control group. Cox proportional hazards regression revealed global longitudinal strain to predict CV and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.15, 95% CI 1.06-1.25; p = 0.0008 and HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.14; p = 0.0003). After adjustment for sex, age, diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and preexisting CV disease, this association was maintained for CV mortality and all-cause mortality (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06-1.27; p = 0.0019 and HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.14; p = 0.0026, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that 2D STE detects reduced left ventricular myocardial function and allows the prediction of CV and all-cause mortality in patients at CKD stages 3 and 4.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is essential for the reproductive efficiency in animals. There are indications that 1,25-vitD influenced the farrowing process and thus can decrease postpartum health problems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 1,25-vitD on postpartum health of the sow and uterine involution as well as the litter performance. RESULTS: The rectal body temperature in the 1,25-vitD group was significantly (p < 0.05) lower during the first five days after farrowing compared to the negative control group (D1: 38.6 vs. 38.9 °C; D2: 38.5 vs. 38.7 °C; D3: 38.4 vs. 38.7 °C; D4: 38.4 vs. 38.6 °C; D5: 38.5 vs. 38.9 °C). Although there was no difference between the live born piglets after farrowing, a significant higher number of piglets at day 7 and at weaning (Dw) was detected in the 1,25-vitD group compared to the control group (D7: 14.1 ± 0.9 vs. 13.4 ± 1.0, p = 0.002; Dw: 14.0 ± 0.9 vs. 13.4 ± 1.0, p = 0.02). Furthermore, the litter weight gain was significantly higher in the 1,25-vitD group when compared to the control group (94.3 vs. 86.4 kg; p = 0.045), and the weight loss of the sows was significantly lower (52 vs. 59 kg; p = 0.03). No differences in other parameter were detected. CONCLUSION: This study showed a positive effect of 1,25-vitD on the body temperature, the litter performance and the body condition of the sows during lactation in comparison with the negative control group. However, more studies are needed to describe the mechanism of 1,25-vitD in detail.

Colostrum is vital for neonatal piglets, supplying energy, immunoglobulins, hormones, and other bioactive compounds critical for early survival. Beyond its nutritional role, colostrum also reflects the sow's physiological and hormonal state during the periparturient period. This study investigated associations between colostrum composition, farrowing traits, and reproductive performance in a free farrowing system. Sixty sows were monitored, and colostrum samples (5-10 mL) were collected after the birth of the first piglet. Concentrations of progesterone, albumin, and alpha-lactalbumin were measured in colostrum serum. Farrowing characteristics and litter outcomes were recorded. Across all sows, 897 piglets were born and the mean farrowing duration was 242 min. Colostrum progesterone averaged 21.6 ± 10.8 ng/mL, albumin 7.33 ± 1.47 mg/mL, and alpha-lactalbumin 1602.7 ± 506.9 ng/mL. Progesterone concentrations were positively correlated with albumin (r = 0.29; p = 0.02) and alpha-lactalbumin (r = 0.38; p = 0.002). Progesterone also correlated positively with log-transformed farrowing duration (r = 0.27; p = 0.03), piglet to placenta expulsion duration (r = 0.26; p = 0.04), and incidence of severe meconium staining (r = 0.27; p = 0.04). Sows requiring more than one obstetrical intervention had significantly higher progesterone concentrations (25.9 ng/mL) compared to those with none or one intervention (19.3 ng/mL; p = 0.02). This study is the first to link specific colostrum traits with farrowing outcomes in a free farrowing system, suggesting colostrum progesterone, despite its low correlation, may serve as an indicator for prolonged farrowing.