Production region does not influence digestibility of calcium or phosphorus in sunflower co-products fed to growing pigs, but microbial phytase increases digestibility of both calcium and phosphorus

A new study from the University of Illinois has confirmed that the geographical region where sunflower meal (SFM) and sunflower expellers (SFE) are produced does not significantly impact phosphorus (P) digestibility in growing pigs. However, the research highlights that adding microbial phytase significantly increases phosphorus and calcium digestibility, making it a valuable tool for improving feed efficiency in swine production.

Study Overview:
Conducted by Jimena A. Ibagon, Charmaine D. Espinosa, and Hans H. Stein, the experiment evaluated the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) from seven different sources of sunflower co-products, including six types of sunflower meal (SFM) from the U.S., Ukraine, Hungary, and Italy, and one sunflower expeller (SFE) from the U.S.

A total of 112 growing pigs (18.0 ± 1.4 kg initial body weight) were used in the study, fed 14 different diets with and without 300 FTU/kg of microbial phytase. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed to determine mineral digestibility.