The influence of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) from sugar-beet pulp (SBP) on growth performance after weaning and up to slaughter, ileal and faecal nutrient digestibility, and activity of pancreatic and intestinal enzymes of piglets was studied in a series of experiments. 6 per cent of SBP in the diet improved growth performance immediately after weaning and carcass composition at slaughter. Faecal digestibility of energy and nitrogen was not affected by the presence of 6-12 per cent SBP in piglet diets. However, ileal digestibility of nutrients was reduced proportionally, increasing microbial degradation in the large intestine. In piglets receiving NSP-rich diets, pancreatic enzyme activities were not affected, but intestinal N aminopeptidase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV activities were both increased in the mucous of the ileum, probably in relation with changes in physical properties of the chyme. The inclusion of a limited amount of sugar-beet pulp can be recommended in starter diets.