NOVUS to share research on piglet microbiota and mortality at ESPHM 2026
REUS, SPAIN (April 16, 2026) – The diet of a post-weaning piglet requires a careful balance of nutrition for growth and additive solutions that can aid their young gut through a challenging transition. NOVUS will release new findings at the 17th European Symposium of Porcine Health Management (ESPHM) 2026 that can help nutritionists and producers to create that balance.
In his presentation at ESPHM, Roberto Barea, DVM, Ph.D., NOVUS swine technical services manager for South Europe, will explain how a protected benzoic acid supports gut microbiota balance and performance outcomes in post-weaning piglets.
“There are many products that say they support gut health,” Barea says. “What’s key to remember is that all of them have a long way to travel through the digestive system to get to where they can really make a difference. And along the way they must survive changes in pH, along with other additives that antagonize and can break them apart. It’s important to use a solution that can survive the journey.”
The commercial study conducted in Spain with 30,000 piglets, evaluated the inclusion of a protected benzoic acid (PROVENIA® Feed Solution) at 2.5 kg/ton compared to a typical control diet during early feeding phases.
Results from this study showed piglets fed the protected solution experienced a 25% reduction in mortality compared with those fed a standard diet. Fecal microbiota analysis further revealed that pigs fed the protected benzoic acid had greater microbial diversity (indicating a more balanced gut environment) along with an enrichment of key short‑chain fatty acid–producing taxa associated with intestinal integrity and metabolic health.
“Various studies show benzoic acid can benefit gut health, but protecting the acid in a lipid matrix allows fora gradual release in the intestine. This means more of the acid can reach more of the gut,” Barea says. “Supporting gut function is critical during the post-weaning period. Protected benzoic acid can be a valuable nutritional strategy to support resilience and performance in weaned pigs.”
Barea will share the details of this study at the chaired poster session, which will take place during the lunch break on May 14 at ESPHM in Italy. For information about the symposium and to register visit, esphm.org.
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 animals.
