NOVUS to Highlight Feed Conversion and Pig Survivability at IPVS 2026
CHESTERFIELD, MO (May 14, 2026) – NOVUS will spotlight recent swine research on trace minerals and organic acids during the 28th Annual International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) Congress, June 16-19 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with three posters presented by Global Swine Research Manager Jesus Acosta, Ph.D.
The research focuses on nursery and wean-to-finish pig performance strategies designed to support feedefficiency, survivability, and productivity under evolving production conditions.
“Producers around the world are looking for practical ways to optimize performance while managing changing nutritional and regulatory demands,” says Acosta. “These studies explore intelligent nutrition that support pigs during critical production phases, particularly around weaning and early growth.”
Among the research being presented:
- An evaluation of trace mineral sources in nursery pigs that showed pigs fed bis-chelated trace mineralsexperienced more favorable feed conversion outcomes than those fed inorganic trace minerals, indicating more efficient feed utilization. Additional observations related to pig survivability and consistency during the post-weaning period were also seen in the bis-chelate-fed pigs.
- A study examining reduced-copper feeding strategies compared bis-chelated trace minerals to tribasic copper chloride in wean-to-finish pigs. The results show the effect of copper on growth performance and efficiency can be maintained while using substantially lower inclusion levels of the bis-chelated minerals. These findings are especially relevant today when the industry is seeing an increase in copper prices.
- Analysis of two nursery pig studies evaluated protected benzoic acid in zinc oxide-free feeding programs. Results indicated notable responses during the early post-weaning period, with observations tied to growth performance and feed efficiency in more than 1,000 pigs.
Acosta says the findings reinforce the importance of nutrition strategies that align productivity goals with modern production challenges.
“These presentations are intended to start conversations,” he says. “There is strong interest globally in approaches that help producers maintain performance while adapting to new market and management realities.”
Attendees interested in learning more about the research are encouraged to connect with Acosta during the congress.
Taking place at Thiskyhall Sala Convention Center in Vietnam, IPVS 2026 serves as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge, discussing industry challenges, and exploring the latest scientific advancements in pig veterinary medicine. For more information or to register, visit ipvs2026.vn.
NOVUS is the intelligent nutrition company combining global scientific research with local insights to develop innovative, advanced technology that helps farmers get more from their herds and flocks.
