What product can be added to swine diets to help reduce phosphorus levels in hog manure?

The addition of phytase to swine diets is effective in reducing phosphorus levels in hog manure due to its ability to enhance phosphorus availability from feed ingredients. Phytase is an enzyme that breaks down phytic acid, a form of phosphorus that is not easily absorbed by pigs. By supplementing diets with phytase, it helps to release this bound phosphorus, making it more bioavailable for absorption in the digestive system.

As a result, pigs can utilize more of the phosphorus present in their feed, which reduces the amount of excess phosphorus that ends up in manure. This has significant environmental benefits, as high levels of phosphorus in manure can lead to water quality issues when nutrients run off into waterways. Consequently, using phytase not only improves nutrient absorption and feed efficiency but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with swine production.