Beta-carotene (beta-carotene) has been suggested to play a beneficial role in health status and reproduction of animals. Data relating to the effect of beta-caretene in porcine is still limited compared with those in other species. Injection of P-carotene in sows results in lower embryonic mortality (1), higher litter size at birth (1,2) and higher litter weight at birth and at weaning (1). It has been also suggested that P-carotene may also have an effect on immune responses (3). The present study investigates the effect of p-carotene, supplemented via sow feed at different concentrations or injected at several intervals or times, on main health status and performance parameters of the sows and their litters.
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