NOVUS to unveil pig nutrition strategies at ASAS Midwest

NOVUS will present new research highlighting nutrition strategies that support pig health and performance during the American Society of Animal Science Midwest meeting, March 9 to 12 in Omaha, Nebraska. NOVUS scientists will share findings that address profit-limiting challenges facing swine producers, including nursery and growing pig health, survivability and feed efficiency. 

1. NOVUS Global Swine Lead Bradley V. Lawrence, Ph.D., will present Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Bis-chelated Minerals Enhance Growth Rate, Closeout Feed Conversion and Total Pork Sold to Primary Markets at 4:15 p.m. on March 9
2. NOVUS Global Swine Research Manager Jesus Acosta, Ph.D., will present Protected Benzoic Acid Mitigates E. coli F18–Induced Inflammation, Gut Dysbiosis, and Enhances Performance and Health in Commercial Nursery Pigs at 12:15 p.m. on March 11 

“These studies show how targeted nutrition strategies can support pigs during periods of stress while also aligning with producer goals for efficiency and survivability,” says Acosta. “Sharing this research at ASAS allows us to engage with nutritionists, veterinarians and producers who are looking for practical, science-based solutions.”

Acosta’s presentation focuses on the role of protected benzoic acid in nursery pig diets. The research in two parts evaluated supplementation with NOVUS PB Feed Solution (a protected source of benzoic acid) under Escherichia coli F18 challenge conditions and in large scale commercial production settings. The objective was to understand how the protected gut health modulator influenced inflammatory markers, microbial populations and overall pig performance during the critical nursery phase. 

In part one of the study, weaned pigs were challenged with E. coli F18. The pigs receiving protected benzoic acid showed lower inflammatory response compared with challenged pigs that did not receive NOVUS PB. Serum markers associated with inflammation remained more stable over time, and analysis of the intestinal microbiome showed a shift toward butyric acid producing bacteria; there was also a significant decrease in E. coli, suggesting a more positive gut microflora balance during post-challenge recovery.