Pidolin PCa: A Nutritional Solution to Optimize Farrowing and Performance in Hyperprolific Sows

Genetic progress in the swine sector has significantly increased sow prolificacy. However, this evolution has led to a greater need for nutritional precision, particularly during the peri-farrowing period, which is critical for both sow health and piglet viability. At the same time, knowledge about sow nutritional requirements has evolved, leading farmers to adopt specific peri-farrowing formulations to precisely adjust supplementation to the needs of this key phase.

Pidolin PCa: A Key Nutritional Tool to Secure Farrowing

Dietaxion has conducted several trials to evaluate the impact of Pidolin PCa, a calcium metabolism activator, on the productivity of hyperprolific sows. By improving calcium absorption, Pidolin PCa supports:

a uterine contraction efficiency, through its action on muscle contraction
a smoother farrowing processla fluidité de la mise-bas
an enhanced milk production

An experimental trial conducted in Spain in 2019 on 18 sows, divided into two groups — a control group and a group supplemented with Pidolin PCa (3 g/day for 12 days, from D–5 to D+7) — quantified these benefits.

Reduced farrowing time and lower stillborn rate

Sows supplemented with Pidolin PCa showed a reduced farrowing time of 4 minutes per piglet, decreasing from 14.2 minutes (control group) to 10.4 minutes (Pidolin PCa group).

This improvement in the farrowing process reduces periods of hypoxia in piglets, decreases maternal fatigue, and enhances viability. The stillborn rate also decreased: 6.7% (Pidolin PCa group) vs. 7.3% (control group), highlighting the value of targeted supplementation to secure the maternity phase.

Improved colostrum intake, even for the last-born piglets

A key factor in improving litter quality is accelerating colostrum intake, particularly for the last-born piglets, who are usually the most fragile.

More effective contractions and faster farrowing were observed when sows were supplemented with Pidolin PCa:

last-born piglets are less fatigued and more vigorous
they reach the teats more quickly
they consume colostrum earlier and in larger quantities

This is a strategic gain: early colostrum intake directly influences immunity, available energy, thermoregulation, and survival. The minimum colostrum intake needed for good immunity acquisition is 100 g, and an intake of 200–250 g ensures better piglet performance (growth, survival)¹ ². Pidolin PCa thus contributes to homogenizing litter quality from the very first hours.

More numerous and heavier piglets at weaning

Incorporating Pidolin PCa into sow feed during the peri-farrowing period also promotes a better onset of lactation, enabling sows to feed larger litters without compromising piglets growth.

In the Spanish trial:

Piglets weaned per litter: 12.4 in the Pidolin PCa group vs. 12 in the control group
Weaning weight (28 days): +50 g on average for piglets from supplemented sows, even though birth weights were identical

Conclusion: A high-performance tool for modern farms

Integrating Pidolin PCa into the diet of hyperprolific sows around the time of farrowing provides the following outcomes:

reduced farrowing duration
decreased stillborn rate
improved piglet vitality (including last-borns)
enhanced milk production
increased number of piglets weaned per litter
improved individual weaning weight
reduced sow fatigue and faster recovery

These combined benefits lead to improved profitability per sow and per litter, ensuring the success of the entire farrowing phase for modern pig farms.

Inoue, R., & Tsukahara, T. (2021). Composition and physiological functions of the porcine colostrum. Animal Science Journal, 92(1), e13618. https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.13618
Langendijk, P. (2025). Importance and Control of Colostrum Intake in the Neonate Pig, a Review. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 60(5), e70077. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70077