OptiPhos for Pigs

Why Phosphorus is Important
Pigs need phosphorus primarily for bone and muscle development, but also to better utilize energy in their diet. Insufficient phosphorus intake results in reduced bone and muscle accretion, and can lead to loss of skeletal integrity.

However, pigs can’t digest phosphorus from feed grains because they lack sufficient levels of phytase, the enzyme that releases phosphorus from grain. In fact, only 20-30% of phosphorus in feed grains is available to meet nutritional requirements. As a result, most phosphorus from feed grains is excreted as waste into the environment.

OptiPhos: The Next Generation Phytase
OptiPhos is the next-generation phytase that allows pigs to better utilize the phosphorus in feed grains. As shown in the chart below, OptiPhos produces nearly two times more phosphorus release in pigs than first generation products (all other phytases) when fed at the same rate (phytase units or FTUs).

Nearly two times more effective than first-generation phytase products

OptiPhos is so potent, you could eliminate all inorganic phosphate in grow-finish pig diets, if desired. No other phytase product has this capability.

Why OptiPhos is More Potent
OptiPhos is most active at pH levels common in the upper digestive tract, where phytate phosphorus digestion is greatest. Compared to other phytases, OptiPhos has much higher activity in this key area.

Additionally, unlike first-generation phytases that are negatively affected by pepsin (the primary digestive enzyme of the stomach), OptiPhos is resistant to pepsin.

OptiPhos Improves Diets
Adding OptiPhos allows producers to reduce or eliminate the amount of costly inorganic phosphate in the diet. At 1,000 FTU/kg, OptiPhos releases 0.20% available phosphorus and lets you eliminate inorganic phosphate in grow-finish pigs entirely, if you choose. Using less inorganic phosphate allows for the addition of more low-cost energy (corn or soybeans), producing an enhanced diet.

Less inorganic phosphate in feed

More phosphorous release from feed grains

OptiPhos Benefits the Environment
OptiPhos significantly reduces phosphorus in manure. Studies conducted by JBS United have shown that OptiPhos can reduce phosphorus excretion 44% when fed at 500 FTU/kg, compared to a non-phytase diet. 

The Maschhoffs, Inc., one of the largest pig producers in the U.S., released a study at the Midwest meeting of the Animal Society of Animal Sciences in March 2006 showing that phosphorus excretion levels in pigs decreased 45% when using OptiPhos. National Hog Farmer published an article (“Maschhoffs Reduce Manure’s Impact”) regarding this study in its September 2006 edition.

OptiPhos appeared in the June 2 issue of Feedstuffs. To view the research paper and overview article visit the research page.

With OptiPhos, less phosphorus in manure results in less phosphorus released into the environment.  This reduces the amount of land required for safe manure application, significantly extends the number of years which manure can be applied to farmland, and reduces the risk of adverse environmental impact.

Should you have any questions regarding OptiPhos or other JBS United products, please contact us at either of the telephone numbers below:

(800) 382-9909
(317) 758-4495

Natuphos is a registered trademark of BASF.

Ronozyme is a registered trademark of DSM Nutritional Products, Inc.

Phyzyme XP is a registered trademark of Danisco A/S Corporation.

OptiPhos and OptiPhos PF^™ are trademarks of Phytex LLC, a majority owned subsidiary of JBS United, Inc.