NOVUS research highlights gut health in pigs

May 12, 2025
By Farms.com

Boosting Piglet Growth with NOVUS Solutions

Experts from the NOVUS Swine Team are set to present three important research posters at the 16th International Symposium on Digestive Physiology of Pigs (DPP) in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. These studies explore new ways to support gut health, growth, and survival in young pigs using innovative nutrition solutions.

“Feed additives for nursery pigs need a robust mode of action that reliably translates into real-world benefits for customers and nutritionists,” said Alex Hintz, DVM, Technical Services Manager. “The trials we’re presenting at DPP demonstrate that these practical results can help to drive pig performance in the field.”

One study examined NOVUS® PB Feed Solution, a fat matrix-protected benzoic acid. Results showed that weaned pigs fed with this additive had fewer cases of diarrhea and better growth. The research also confirmed benefits even when diets already included zinc oxide.

The second study looked at ACTIVATE® WD Max, a water-based nutritional feed acid. When this solution was added to pigs’ drinking water during the post-weaning phase, the pigs had higher growth rates, better exit weights, and reduced mortality. This proves that water acidification is a useful management strategy during nursery transitions.

The third poster shared results from a trial using ACTIVATE® DA, an organic acid blend. It was tested under commercial conditions along with free benzoic acid and zinc oxide. Pigs showed better quality at nursery exit and a lower mortality rate.

“The trials we’re showing at DPP, which are only part of our overall R&D activities, demonstrate our broader commitment to intelligent nutrition,” said Acosta. “They support NOVUS’ mission to deliver practical, science-based solutions that help producers improve piglet survivability and performance, especially under commercial challenges.”

NOVUS will present its findings at poster sessions on May 21 and 22, showcasing how intelligent nutrition can benefit real-world pig production.

Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic

Video: Sweetener Effects on Gut Health - Dr. Kwangwook Kim

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kwangwook Kim, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in nursery pig diets. He explains how sucralose and neotame influence feed intake, gut health, metabolism, and the frequency of diarrhea compared to antibiotics. The conversation highlights mechanisms beyond palatability, including hormone signaling and nutrient transport. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Receptors responsible for sweet taste are present not only in the mouth but also along the intestinal tract.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kwangwook Kim / kwangwook-kim is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, specializing in swine nutrition and feed additives under disease challenge models. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of California, Davis, where he focused on intestinal health and metabolic responses in pigs. His research evaluates alternatives to antibiotics, targeting gut health and performance in nursery pigs.