Ruminants 
Poultry 
Swine 
Fishes / aquaculture
PetOptimizing intestinal resilience in weaned piglets: effects of a microencapsulated blend of botanicals against E. coli F18+
Bonetti et al., (2026). 58th Swine Research Days 2026
For intestinal (gut) health / digestive efficiency
Intestinal health is fundamental to swine production, directly influencing nutrient absorption and overall performance. The weaning period is particularly critical, as the abrupt shift from sow’s milk to solid feed, combined with social and environmental stressors, frequently compromises gut integrity. This disruption can lead to villous atrophy, impaired barrier function, and an increased susceptibility to pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, resulting in post-weaning diarrhea and reduced growth rates. Effective nutritional strategies are therefore essential to support the piglet through this transition and maintain digestive efficiency throughout its life.
All the products
Key mechanisms for gut support
Additives for swine gut health primarily operate through two interconnected pathways: modulating the intestinal microbiota and directly supporting the host’s gut. By creating an environment less favorable for pathogens and more conducive to beneficial bacteria, these additives help maintain a stable microbial ecosystem. Concurrently, certain compounds provide direct effects to the intestinal lining, promoting the health of enterocytes and reinforcing the mucosal barrier that protects the animal from luminal toxins and microbes.
Advanced delivery systems are key to maximizing the efficacy of these active ingredients. Microencapsulation protects compounds like organic acids and botanicals from degradation in the stomach, ensuring their slow and targeted release throughout the intestine. This technology is central to products like Tetracid®S, an acid blend, and AviPower®5, a botanical-based formulation designed to mitigate stress effects caused by E. coli and LPS.
Zincoret®S utilizes microencapsulation to deliver a reduced, yet effective, dose of zinc oxide to the intestine, supporting gut health without the environmental load associated with pharmacological levels.
Strategies for intestinal resilience
The most robust strategies combine microbial management with direct support for the intestinal mucosa. By leveraging targeted-delivery technologies to deploy specific active ingredients (from organic acids and botanicals protected zinc) producers can proactively build a more resilient gut. This approach mitigates the immediate consequences of stressors like weaning and also establishes a foundation for sustained digestive efficiency and performance throughout the pig’s life cycle.
Certain statements may not apply in all geographical regions. Product labeling and associated claims may vary based on specific government requirements.