Brad C. Joern Purdue University

Publish Date: June 3, 2006

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for normal growth, development, and reproduction of both plants and animals. In swine diets, P is especially important in bone and cell membrane structure, energy metabolism and other important metabolic pathways. Traditionally, P has been over-formulated in swine diets since it was a relatively inexpensive input. Combined with the fact that not all P in the diet is absorbed by the pig, over-formulation has led to high amounts of P in manure. Though P is used by plants following manure application, excess amounts of P can runoff and trigger such environmental problems as eutrophication. Producers must understand the problems associated with excess P in diets and work to make sure diets are correctly formulated to reduce P excretion.