Protected benzoic acid exceeds expectations in trials for US introduction

Protected benzoic acid could prove an effective strategy for combating E. coli and other harmful bacteria in pig production, according to a series of preliminary trials at Novus.

In the trials, the incidence of diarrhea in pigs with E. coli dropped from 51% to 49% with free benzoic acid, and down to 36% with protected benzoic acid. The free benzoic acid increased average daily gain by about .05 pounds (.026 kg), while the protected benzoic acid added .07 pounds per day, according to results shared by Novus.