Vitamin A: choosing the best source for an optimal male reproductive performance

Vitamin A (VA) is key for optimal male and female reproductive performance in mammalian and avian species. Focusing on the male, spermatozoa are particularly rich in polyunsaturated phospholipids that are extremely sensitive to oxidative attacks, and such attacks can in turn lead to lipid and protein peroxidation throughout the cell and DNA damage, which in turn leads to fragile sperm cells that have impaired sperm motility, and thus poor fertility. Given its role in gene expression and its antioxidant properties, VA maintains the quality of sperm, helps support survival of sperm in the oviduct, and greatly improves both the fertilization of ova and development of the embryo post-fertilization.

VA (in the form of all-trans retinoic acid) participates in various signaling mechanisms that 1. directly initiates gene expression and gametogenesis (division of spermatocyte via meiosis that leads to the formation of sperm cells) in the postnatal male gonads and 2. Furthers the maturation of spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis can be restricted or even cease with a VA deficiency; mostly due to an interruption in the intra- and inter-cell signaling that is required for differentiation of germ and intermediate cell lines in the sperm duct.

VA supplements used in swine, ruminant and poultry diets. However, not all VAs available on the market have the same quality. To ensure the VA requirement for production and reproduction is met, high quality VA should be used. Vitamins need to resist aggressive processing conditions that are used throughout the feed industry (i.e. mixing, palletization, and interactions with other compounds within a premix) to ensure that VA bioactivity is maintained. If the VA product is not thermal-resistant, the VA will degrade and animals that ingest the heat labile VA become VA-deficient. This will result in depressed animal performance, low fertility and likely lower profitability for the producer.

Figure 1. VAs available on the market with different appearances and quality

As shown in the figure and the video above, there are clear differences between the VAs available on the market. By using Microvit®, livestock producers can achieve optimal male reproductive performance while being constantly assured of its reliability. Read more about Microvit® here: https://www.adisseo.com/en/products/microvit®/

Product names and availability may vary by region, please contact your local Adisseo representative for more information.