Few periods in a pig's life are as challenging as the weeks immediately after weaning. Enteric pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) can disrupt gut health, suppress growth and increase maintenance costs during the nursery phase. New research suggests protected benzoic acid may help nursery pigs maintain performance and microbial balance during these challenges.
The trial, featuring over 900 weaned pigs, evaluated the effects of protected benzoic acid (PBA, NOVUS® PB Feed Solution) on nursery pigs under both controlled challenge and commercial conditions. The findings suggest this nutritional approach can support gut health and deliver measurable production benefits.
In the first study, 54 newly weaned pigs were assigned to one of three groups where they were fed diets containing pharmacological levels of zinc oxide to resemble feeding programs in the United States: an unchallenged control, an E. coli F18 challenged control, or an E. coli F18 challenged group receiving PBA. Researchers evaluated inflammatory markers in the blood and changes in the intestinal microbiome following the challenge.
Pigs exposed to E. coli F18 showed signs of increased inflammation compared with unchallenged animals. However, pigs receiving PBA exhibited a more moderate inflammatory response. We also observed changes in the gut microbial population. Beneficial butyric acid-producing bacteria, including Clostridium butyricum, were enriched in pigs fed protected benzoic acid. These bacteria are often linked with a healthier intestinal environment and improved gut function.
The results indicate that protected benzoic acid helped maintain a more favorable microbial balance during the enteric challenge while supporting normal immune responses.
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