Phosphorus is an expensive nutrient in pig diets and is usually the first factor that determines the amount of pig manure that can be applied to land. In order the maximize P utilization phytate degrading enzymes are routinely added to swine diets. The aim of the project was to genetically modify lactic acid producing bacteria, for the expression of the enzyme phytase. The resulting modified bacteria was examined for phytate phosphorus release in swine liquid feed. The researchers were able to successfully insert and express a gene that controls the production of phytase in a specific strain of lactic acid producing bacteria, the bacteria strain was Lactococcus Lactis which is commonly found in human food.  Phytase activity was confirmed in genetically altered Lactococcus Lactis using Western Blot analyses and direct measurement of phytase activity. Growth and phytase activity of modified lactococcus Lactis should be explored further before they are used to inoculate liquid pig feed ingredients.