TP 5: Digestible phosphorus from cereal grains in pigs

It is known that the levels of digestible phosphorus (dP) in cereal grains may vary considerably between varieties or different batches even with the same content of total P, but there was a lack in data and systematic studies and possibilities to identify these variations and to predict them with high-throughput methods. According to a protocol of the Society for Nutrition Physiology the P digestibility of representative grain lots was determined in pigs following a strictly standardized procedure, including the application of microbial phytase. At the same time the content of dP from all grain types were estimated using an in in vitro method standardized and established in Bonn, and the data will be calibrated by the in vivo measurements. Supplemented by the results from the chemical-analytical characterization (Z-project) the researchers then evaluated, whether there are correlations between P digestibility, content of dP, and one or more other ingredients, using regression analysis methods. A tight linkage is given with the corresponding experiments in broiler chickens and turkeys (TP 6) as well as with TP 3 and 4.

Subproject leader

Prof. Dr. Karl-Heinz Südekum

University of Bonn