Effect of supplemental niacin on sow reproduction and sow and litter performance

In this study the effects of supplemental crystalline niacin on sow reproduction and sow and litter performance were evaluated using 240 litters produced by 67 sows. A basal 12.80% CP corn-soybean meal-oat diet was supplemented with 0 or 33 mg of crystalline niacin/kg during gestation and lactation. The sows were grouped to equalize initial BW and parity among the two treatment groups. Each sow was fed 2.0 kg/d during gestation and 1.8 kg plus .45 kg per nursing pig during lactation. Sows not culled due to reproductive or structural problems remained on the experiment for five parities (average 3.6). Supplemental niacin did not improve (P > .20) any of the sow reproductive or sow and litter performance variables evaluated, including the subjective scores for sow lameness, toe cracks, and hair and skin condition. In conclusion, these results suggest that a 12.80% CP corn-soybean meal-oat diet provides adequate niacin during gestation and lactation without supplementation with crystalline niacin.