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The 16th International Symposium on Digestive Physiology of Pigs is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding and practical applications in swine nutrition, health, and physiology. As part of this mission, the pre-conference satellite symposia provide a unique platform for focused discussions and innovative solutions to key challenges in pig production. This year’s program features four dynamic sessions hosted by leading industry experts, offering attendees the opportunity to explore cutting-edge topics ranging from mineral metabolism and nutrient utilization to antimicrobial resistance and sustainable feeding practices.

Morning Concurrent Satellite Symposia Details

Symposium Title: Mineral metabolism: a holistic approach for swine nutrition and health

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2024; 8:30 AM – Noon (CST)
Location: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva, WI USA (Room TBD)
Organizer: Animine

Overview: Join Animine, a leading French supplier of added-value trace minerals, for an in-depth exploration of mineral nutrition and its critical role in swine health and productivity. This symposium will provide updates on the latest technical and scientific advancements in trace mineral research, with a particular focus on zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn). These essential elements play pivotal roles in immune response, digestive health, growth promotion, and reproductive efficiency in pigs and sows. Building on insights from the last Digestive Physiology of Pigs symposium, this session will broaden its scope to include other minerals such as calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). Featuring discussions led by renowned experts from the USA and Europe, this symposium is an invaluable opportunity for swine nutrition professionals to gain actionable knowledge and engage in meaningful dialogue on optimizing mineral strategies.

Tentative speaker list:

  • Updates on mineral requirements for pigs and sows; Professor Marie-Pierre  Létourneau-Montminy, University of Laval
  • The relation between zinc and ABC-4 in post weaning diets; Professor Mike  Tokach, Kansas State University TBD
  • European perspective about the use of zinc for piglets; Professor Jurgen Zentek,  Freie Universität Berlin
    • Q&A for questions and discussion.
  • Copper supplementation for growing-finishing pigs; Professor Hans Stein,  University of Illinois
  • Interest and challenges of copper supplementation in pig production; Dr. Tommy  Shipp, Feedworks USA
  • Application of precise mineral nutrition for pigs; Dr. Alessandra Monteiro, Animine
    • Q&A for questions and discussion (15”)

 

Symposium Title: Advances in nutritional strategies to enhance nutrient utilization, growth and health of pigs

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2024; 8:30 AM – Noon (CST)
Location: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva, WI USA (Room TBD)
Organizer: Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH

Overview: Explore the latest innovations in swine nutrition at this Evonik-hosted symposium, which addresses key challenges in maintaining intestinal health and growth performance in pigs under commercial conditions. With the reduced use of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) and zinc oxide (ZnO), alternative strategies are essential to combat gut health issues like post-weaning diarrhea (PWD). This session will highlight holistic approaches combining high-quality feed ingredients, precise nutrient balancing, and functional feed additives to support immune function, optimize gut morphology and microbiota, and enhance growth. Join leading experts as they discuss the interplay of nutrition, digestive physiology, and the microbiome, offering insights into sustainable and effective solutions for boosting pig health and productivity.

Speakers:

  • Opening: Dr. Victor Naranjo, Regional Technical Director, Evonik Animal Nutrition Americas
  • Mechanisms and applications of feed additives (focusing on probiotics, organic acids and phytogenic) in prevention of intestinal diseases of pigs; Prof. Yanhong Liu, University of California, Davis, USA
  • Strategic use of feed ingredients, feed additives and nutrients to enhance performance and health of weaned pigs; Dr. John Htoo, Global Senior Consulting Expert, Evonik Animal Nutrition Germany
  • Developing nutritional strategies to mitigate the impact of diseases in pigs – Production Nutritionist’ perspective; Dr. Omarh Mendoza, Director of Nutrition, The Maschhoffs, USA
  • Effects of soluble and insoluble fiber on digestive physiology and aspects of gut health in pigs; Prof. Ruurd T. Zijlstra, University of Alberta, Canada
  • Impact of the quality of soybean meal associated with trypsin inhibitor concentrations on nutrient utilization, performance and gut health in pigs; Dr. Maria Mendoza, Global Consulting Expert, Evonik Animal Nutrition Americas

Registration Details (if applicable):
Satellite symposia registration and fee required. Registration and housing information can be found here: https://www.dppigs.org/2025-Meeting/Registration.

Additional Information:
Breakfast provided

Afternoon Concurrent Satellite Symposia Details

Symposium Title: Mitigating antimicrobial resistance by promoting gut health in pigs

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2024; 1:30 – 4:30 PM (CST)
Location: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva, WI USA (Room TBD)
Organizer: PIG-PARADIGM

Overview: Discover the cutting-edge research of PIG-PARADIGM, a multidisciplinary cross-Atlantic initiative aimed at reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pig farming by enhancing gut health in developing piglets. AMR is a pressing global health challenge, with the overuse of antibiotics in livestock contributing significantly to the problem. This symposium will delve into microbiome-targeted nutritional strategies and host-microbiome interactions to reduce the reliance on antibiotics. Featuring insights from leading experts, the session will present innovative approaches to bolstering piglets’ natural defenses, paving the way for sustainable, antibiotic-resilient pig production systems. Attendees will gain actionable knowledge on implementing these findings to promote health and productivity while addressing one of the most critical challenges facing both human and animal health.

Speakers:

  • Introduction of PIG-PARADIGM - Charlotte Lauridsen (Coordinator of PIG-PARADIGM, Head of the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University)
  • Keynote on OneHealth - Richard Pereira (Assistant Professor, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis)
  • A global view on carbohydrates in promoting gut health of piglets - Knud Erik Bach Knudsen (Professor, Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University)
  • Aspects of dietary protein on gut microbial ecology in piglets - Nuria Canibe (Senior Researcher, Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University)
  • Peng Ji (Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis)
  • Impact of maternal diet on post-weaning piglet health - Carolyn Slupsky (Professor, Department of Nutrition and Department of Food Science & Technology, University of California, Davis)
  • Novel sustainable feedstuffs for promoting gut health in piglets - Elisabeth Chassé (Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University)

 

Symposium Title: How to make antimicrobials in pig feed redundant, an Australian approach

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 20, 2024; 1:30 – 4:30 PM (CST) (Room TBD)
Location: Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva, WI USA
Organizer: DSM-Firmenich

Overview: This symposium, hosted by DSM-Firmenich and The University of Queensland, presents groundbreaking outcomes from a four-year collaborative research initiative funded by the Australian Research Council. With contributions from leading institutions and industry partners, the project explores holistic nutrition strategies to naturally enhance gut health, feed intake, and digestibility in piglets, reducing the reliance on antimicrobials in pig production. Through three integrated research programs—peri-natal conditioning, improving post-weaning feed digestibility, and understanding the evolution of enteral pathogenic microflora—this session offers a comprehensive approach to optimizing piglet health and growth in antimicrobial-free systems. Attendees will gain valuable insights into innovative solutions for sustainable and effective pig farming practices.

Speakers:

  • Welcome and introduction of the theme by the CHAIR (15 min). Shelby Ramirez/Marta Navarro
  • Peri-natal conditioning and early feed intake in piglets. Eugeni Roura, University of Queensland
  • Improving post-weaning feed digestibility. Frank Dunshea
  • Gut health in piglets in antibiotic -free diets. John Pluske
  • A balancing act: the crucial role of the microbiome in antimicrobial-free fed piglets. Conny Turni (microbiome)
  • Roundtable (30 min) MC: Shelby Ramirez/Marta Navarro.

Registration Details (if applicable):
Satellite symposia registration and fee required. Registration and housing information can be found here: https://www.dppigs.org/2025-Meeting/Registration.

Additional Information:
Lunch provided