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

Feb 17, 2025

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.

Click here to see more...

Video: Why Swine Field Research Matters - Dr. Stephen Frazer

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Stephen Frazer, swine veterinarian at Demeter Services Vétérinaires, explains how field research connects university science with real commercial swine production. He discusses research design, economic impact, external validity, health challenges, and practical implementation on farms. Dr. Frazer also shares how applied research helps producers stay competitive with modern genetics and production systems. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Field research applies rigorous scientific methods within commercial production systems while focusing on practical economic outcomes that directly affect modern swine operations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Stephen Frazer / stephen-frazer-5769b7141 completed both a Master of Veterinary Science and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Université de Montréal. Currently working as a swine veterinarian at Demeter Services Vétérinaires, Dr. Frazer focuses on applied field research, production health, and practical strategies that improve commercial swine operations. Learn more about field research and swine production by listening to Dr. Stephen Frazer on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.