PSII-20 - Supplementing Calcium Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (CaHMB) and Vitamin D₃ to Sows Increases Piglet Weights

Abstract: Previous studies have shown that supplementing sows with calcium beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (CaHMB) or CaHMB plus Vitamin D₃ in late gestation and/or lactation improved piglet weight through weaning. This study was conducted at a commercial farrowing operation to confirm previous results, and fifty-two sows were studied, twenty-six in each of two groups. Sows were randomized to receive either 3 g/d CaHMB plus 500 IU/d Vitamin D₃ (HMB/D) or a calcium carbonate containing control top-dressed to the morning ration from day 104 of gestation through weaning. Group 1 consisted of older sows, 4^th and 5^th parity, while Group 2 sows were younger, 2^nd and 3^rd parity. Three sows failed to farrow, one died after farrowing and one farrowed late, therefore forty-seven sows were included in the analysis. Treatment with HMB/D had no effect on sow weights, lactational weight loss, pre- or post-farrowing body condition score, stillborn piglets, mummified piglets, or number of piglets born alive or weaned. In both farrowing groups, birth and 24-hour weights of the piglets from HMB/D-supplemented sows were increased (p < 0.0001). Piglets from sows supplemented with HMB/D were 9.7% heavier at birth and at 24 hours were 9.2% heavier, 1418.6±21.2 and 1549.3±22.0 g in Control and HMB/D, respectively. Analysis of birth to weaning dates demonstrated that Control piglets were on average one-half day older than HMB/D piglets at weaning (p < 0.0001). However, adjusting the weaning weights to a standardized 21-day weight (5,205.6±99.5 and 5,423.9±103.5 for Control and HMB/D piglets, respectively) did not demonstrate statistical significance (p = 0.13). Further analysis by group showed HMB/D tended to increase weaning weights in younger sows (Group 2), 5073.7±142.7 in Controls, 5431.7±150.7 in HMB/D piglets (p < 0.09). In conclusion, our results agree with previous studies demonstrating CaHMB and HMB/D supplementation increased early piglet weights with a tendency to improve weaning weights.