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From discovery to development

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we are happy to invite you to join us in Lake Geneva, WI , USA on May 20th through May 23rd, 2025 for the 16th International Symposium on Digestive Physiology of Pigs. This event has grown to become the premiere event where discussions focus specifically on various aspects of digestive physiology. We expect to attract more than 600 attendees from Europe, Asia and North and South America.

The first Symposium was held in Shinfield, Reading (UK) in 1979. Subsequently there have been symposia held triennially in France, Denmark, Poland, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Sweden, Canada, Denmark, Spain, United States of America, Poland, Australia, and The Netherlands. This is the second time it will be held in the U.S., and the committee is committed to ensuring the Symposium lives up to the very high standard established by our predecessors.

Our Vision: To serve as the platform for creative dialog and transnational collaboration for promoting innovation in the science of the digestive physiology of the pig.

Our Mission: Maintain a premier international digestive physiology networking opportunity for global subject matter experts, allied industry members, and stakeholders to facilitate innovation, productivity, and sustainability within the pork industry.

The cutting edge scientific program will focus on the digestive tract of the pig, emphasizing physiology, immunology and microbiology. Additionally, this Symposium will review the latest advances in the field of digestive physiology of pigs, providing the basis for future research.

Our distinguished keynote speakers will address our overall theme ("From discovery to development") within five thematic areas, showcasing the latest research and advancements in the field:

Theme I: Functionality of the Intestinal Microbiome and Host Response

  • Benjamin Willing, Professor; University of Alberta, Canada
  • Hervé M. Blottière, PhD; Research Director, Research Director at INRAE, France

Theme II: Advances in Understanding of Nutrient Digestion and Absorption

  • Sonja de Vries, PhD; Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands

Theme III: Development of Digestive and Absorptive Capacity in the Neonate and Impact of Weaning on Intestinal Function

  • Martin Beaumont, PhD; INRAE, France
  • Huansheng Yang, Professor, Hunan Normal University, China

Theme IV: Functional Ingredients and Utilization of Feed Resources for Improved Digestive Function and Nutrient Efficiency

  • Marie-Pierre Létourneau Montminy, PhD; University of Laval, Canada

Theme V: Mucosal Immunity and Pathogenesis and the Role of the Digestive Tract in the Maintenance of Health

  • Crystal L. Loving, PhD; Research Immunologist, USDA-ARS-NADC
  • Jerrold Turner, MD, PhD; Harvard Medical School, USA

We look forward to seeing you at DPP2025!

Thomas Burkey (University of Nebraska, Co-Chair)
Ruurd Zijlstra (University of Alberta, Co-Chair)
Andrew van Kessel (University of Saskatchewan, Co-Chair)