Lack of vitamin B3 may cause sow problems
A lack of vitamin B3 is probably the cause for bone problems, difficulties in walking and milk production in sows, according to recent research by Dutch feed company ForFarmers.
Lack of this vitamin results in a disrupted calcium balance, which subsequently results in severe problems. A bad synthesis of the vitamin by the sow itself could be one cause of a lack. In addition, the animal diet could also contain too little of the vitamin.
Regulations
According to EU regulations, pig diets contain the lowest maximum levels of vitamin B3 compared to other animals. The sow can also have disrupted levels of the hormone Calcitonin.
This hormone determines the calcium level in the blood. Both a low and a high calcium level in the blood can be risky for the animal.
According to the research, the sows that had problems with their joints and milk production, the calcium levels in the blood and urine were clearly higher than sows that did not show these problems.
High calcium levels may also result in epileptic symptoms and calcifying of tissue and arteries.
Related link:
• ForFarmers
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