The scientific seminar opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Hermann Roth, CEO, and Kurt Wegleitner, Managing Director of Phytobiotics, who presented the company’s latest innovations and provided insights into its ongoing global growth. They emphasized Phytobiotics’ philosophy of uniting research, innovation, and practical application — a guiding principle that has shaped the company for 25 years and remains central to its success. Looking ahead, Dr. Roth and Mr. Wegleitner also spoke about the future direction of the company, reaffirming that Phytobiotics will continue to remain family-owned, with the next generation of the Roth family ready to carry its legacy forward.
The keynote address by Dr. Jessika van Leeuwen, Member of the European Parliament, proved to be one of the true highlights of the seminar. In her presentation, “Farming of the Future in a Fast-Shifting Geopolitical Landscape: The Road to Food Security,” she discussed how global politics, sustainability, and innovation must align to secure the future of food production. Her forward-looking and politically grounded perspective bridged the gap between agricultural science and policymaking, resonating strongly with participants from around the world.
The scientific program continued with a diverse series of presentations from international experts. Prof. Dr. Frank Siewerdt from North Carolina State University, USA, examined “Broiler Production: Current Trends and Future Perspectives,” focusing on how genetics and management are shaping more efficient and sustainable poultry systems. Tom Axelgaard, Secretary General of Danish Farmers Abroad, followed with “How and Where Should Pork Be Produced Now and in the Future?”, exploring the economic and ethical dimensions of global pork production.
Lucas de Souza Rigolin, Ruminant Nutrition Specialist at Produzoo, Brazil, provided insight into modern cattle farming under the title “Inside Cattle Farming,” emphasizing productivity and environmental responsibility.
Dr. Rafael Hermes, Business Development Manager Phytogenics at Phytobiotics, explored “Phytogenic Innovations to Meet Current Demands and Shape the Future of Animal Production,” illustrating how plant-based additives enhance animal resilience and efficiency. Building on this, Prof. Dr. Yuwares Ruangpanit from Kasetsart University, Thailand, presented new findings on “Isoquinoline Alkaloids Elevating Broiler Resilience Against Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress,” demonstrating how these compounds support animal health under challenging environmental conditions.
Prof. Dr. Kostas Mountzouris of the Agricultural University of Athens, Greece, discussed “Controlling Homeostasis in Poultry with Phytogenics,” while Prof. Dr. Dirk Werling from the Royal Veterinary College, London, concluded the day with “Vitamin D: Welcome to the Sunlight Zone – Is It Time to Look Again?”, revisiting the underestimated role of Vitamin D in livestock nutrition and welfare.
The second seminar day shifted focus toward mineral nutrition, palatability, and the global market context. Prof. Dr. Sergio L. Vieira from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, opened with “OTMs in Practice: Experience-Based Reflections and Outlook on Future Innovations,” followed by Christian Boigues, Business Development Manager Trace Minerals & Palatants at Phytobiotics, who gave two comprehensive overviews: “Organic Trace Minerals – 360° View” and “Palatants and Sweeteners – 360° View.”
The session concluded with Prof. Dr. Steven McOrist, livestock consultant for the Asia-Pacific region, whose talk “The Global Tariffs on Pork Production – Seen and Unseen” provided a critical economic perspective on global pork markets.
This year’s seminar was particularly significant, marking 25 years of Phytobiotics – a milestone reflecting continuous innovation, collaboration, and growth.
Kurt Wegleitner, Managing Director, summarized the company’s philosophy:
“Development and innovation have been at the heart of Phytobiotics since day one. Our strength lies in connecting science with practice — working hand in hand with our partners to bring real progress to the field. The IQ Seminar perfectly reflects that spirit: it brings people together to learn, question, and shape the future of animal nutrition.”
Dr. Hermann Roth, CEO of Phytobiotics, added:
“For a quarter of a century, Phytobiotics has stood for innovation, collaboration, and science-based progress. Our IQ Seminar embodies these values — it connects people, ideas, and science to move our industry forward.”
Beyond the seminar, participants enjoyed a guided tour of Phytobiotics’ Senso Additive GmbH production site in Neuendettelsau, gaining firsthand insights into the company’s cutting-edge production processes and quality standards. The visit concluded with a traditional Bavarian lunch, before the group continued to Kufstein for the scientific sessions.
The week ended on a festive note with an optional visit to Munich’s Oktoberfest, offering guests a taste of Bavarian culture and a relaxed setting for international networking.
With its 2025 International IQ Inside Seminar, Phytobiotics once again demonstrated its commitment to advancing animal nutrition through science, innovation, and close collaboration — driving progress in the global feed industry for the years to come. The company is already looking forward to welcoming its partners and guests again at the next IQ Inside Seminar in 2026, continuing the tradition of sharing knowledge and fostering innovation across the animal nutrition community.
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