Nutritional regulation of sow reproduction by vitamin A: insights and knowledge gaps

Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining overall animal health, productivity, and reproductive success. Among the key nutritional components essential for optimal physiological function are vitamins, organic compounds required in small amounts for metabolism and organism growth. One vitamin of particular importance in swine production is vitamin A due to its fundamental roles in numerous physiological processes, including the regulation of gene expression, maintenance of epithelial integrity, immune system function, and reproduction. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge regarding the role of vitamin A in sow reproduction and aims to identify critical knowledge gaps that must be addressed to support the health, productivity, and longevity of the modern hyperprolific sow.