Fat-soluble vitamins: Beyond nutritional ne

摘要

Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E are vital nutrients for all swine. These vitamins are routinely added to swine feeds at or above National Research Council (NRC) recommended levels. Supplementation via drinking water and injection are also utilized.Published NRC dietary requirements have not been static. In 1941 requirements for vitamin A, vitamin D and carotene were published and the requirement for vitamin E was first published in 1973 and later increased in 1988. In 1988, carotene was removed asa required dietary nutrient. Vitamin D requirements were increased for sows in the 2011 NRC publication. The primary reasons for changes in fat-soluble vitamin requirements are due to a combination of research findings, husbandry practices (confined vs.non-confined), sow productivity, and improved growth.The primary emphasis for NRC dietary requirements is minimum daily requirements for animal performance. Research has shown that under certain conditions, higher levels of fat-soluble vitamin-intakes may impact other factors besides average daily gain andfeed efficiency.The purpose of this paper is to review information that shows the impact of strategic use of fat-soluble vitamins on other bodily functions besides generally accepted nutritional needs and also the impact of disease and other factors on fat-soluble vitamin status.