Effects of Sodium Butyrate on the Growth Performance of Poultry and Livestock
1. Functions and Mechanisms of Sodium Butyrate
1.1 Enhancing Growth Performance
Sodium butyrate can be hydrolyzed into its active component, butyric acid, within the bodies of poultry and livestock. Butyric acid serves as a crucial energy source for colonic epithelial cells, playing a significant role in repairing intestinal tissues and damage. Sodium butyrate promotes the healthy growth and development of the gastrointestinal tract, as evidenced by the continuous differentiation and maturation of intestinal epithelial cells, increased villus height, and the integrity of epithelial cell structures, thereby enhancing nutrient digestion and absorption. Additionally, sodium butyrate's unique smell acts as a natural attractant, increasing feed intake when added to the diet.
1.2 Boosting Immune Function
The intestinal mucosa is a vital immune barrier against environmental infections in poultry and livestock. Sodium butyrate enhances the immune capacity of the intestinal mucosa, thus boosting the overall immune function. The first line of defense in the intestines comprises the mechanical barrier formed by intestinal mucus and epithelial cells, with immune cells such as mast cells, goblet cells, and lymphocytes secreting mucus to form a natural protective layer. Studies have shown that adding sodium butyrate to the diet of broiler chickens can significantly increase the number of immune cells, enhance the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa, and improve immune capabilities.
1.3 Improving Intestinal Microenvironment
Typically, the microbial community in the gastrointestinal tract of poultry and livestock is relatively balanced, with beneficial bacteria predominating and inhibiting the proliferation of harmful bacteria such as Bacillus and E. coli. However, this balance can be disrupted by environmental or dietary factors, leading to digestive diseases. Sodium butyrate can suppress the growth of harmful bacteria, support the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, and maintain the stability of the intestinal microenvironment, potentially replacing antibiotics.
2. Effects of Sodium Butyrate on Production Performance
2.1 Effects on Ruminants
2.1.1 Effects on Rumen Volume and Mass
During the transition from milk to solid feed in weaned lambs, physical stimulation by feed and chemical stimulation from fermented rumen contents affect rumen epithelial development. Studies have shown that adding coated sodium butyrate to the diet of weaned lambs does not significantly affect total stomach weight and volume after 14 and 28 days, suggesting that the lambs had already adapted to the physical stimulation of starter feed. Further research indicates that sodium butyrate added to milk replacer and starter feed can increase the weight of the fore-stomach in calves.
2.1.2 Effects on Rumen Morphology
The development of rumen epithelial tissue directly impacts nutrient digestion and absorption in ruminants. Fermentation products, particularly butyrate and propionate, are crucial for the development of ruminal papillae and epithelial cell differentiation. Reports show that the rumen wall can absorb about 70% of volatile fatty acids, with epithelial cells metabolizing up to 90% of butyrate. Studies feeding lambs pea starch and tapioca starch found significantly increased papillae surface area and height in the pea starch group, which had higher butyrate content. Infusing sodium butyrate into the rumen significantly increased papillae height, and infusions of butyrate, propionate, and acetate stimulated epithelial cell differentiation, with butyrate showing the most pronounced effect.
2.1.3 Effects on Small Intestine Morphology
The primary function of the small intestine is nutrient digestion and absorption, closely linked to the development of the intestinal mucosa. Adding sodium butyrate to the diet of weaned lambs increases villus height, enhancing nutrient digestion and absorption and improving growth performance. Sodium butyrate can be directly absorbed and metabolized by intestinal epithelial cells, promoting cell proliferation. It stimulates the production of glucagon-like peptide-2, encouraging continuous regeneration of intestinal cells. Studies have shown that weaned lambs fed sodium butyrate had increased glucagon-like peptide-2 levels in intestinal tissues and serum.
2.2 Effects on Pigs
Different sources of sodium butyrate affect piglet production performance variably. Reports indicate that adding encapsulated sodium butyrate to the diet of weaned piglets at 300 mg/kg significantly improved feed intake and performance compared to 1000 mg/kg. Adding regular and gastric-release sodium butyrate to piglet diets significantly increased average daily gain and reduced feed conversion ratios. Encapsulated sodium butyrate during the mid to late gestation and lactation periods of sows improved nutrient digestion and absorption while reducing backfat thickness. Studies show that adding sodium butyrate to weaned piglet diets significantly reduced diarrhea incidence after 21 days.
2.3 Effects of Sodium Butyrate on the Growth Performance of Chickens
Adding 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg of encapsulated sodium butyrate to broiler feed can reduce the feed conversion ratio and improve digestive and absorptive capacities. The 500 mg/kg group significantly enhances broiler growth performance and reduces serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels, thereby inhibiting inflammatory responses and enhancing immune function. Studies have shown that adding 500 mg/kg of encapsulated sodium butyrate to the diet of Xianju chickens significantly increases egg production rate, reduces feed intake, and lowers the feed-to-egg ratio. Research indicates that adding sodium butyrate to broiler diets improves intestinal ecological balance, aiding in the normalization of production performance when feeding low-nutrient diets. Adding microencapsulated sodium butyrate to the diet of Roman laying hens can extend the peak laying period, thereby increasing both egg production rate and the rate of high-quality eggs. Including sodium butyrate in the diet of layer chicks from 0 to 42 days of age significantly increases daily weight gain and reduces the feed conversion ratio, benefiting the growth and development of layer chicks.
3. Conclusion
Sodium butyrate can modulate intestinal structure, improve production performance, enhance feed utilization, boost immune function in poultry and livestock, and reduce diarrhea incidence. Therefore, sodium butyrate can serve as a novel, harmless feed additive alternative to antibiotics.
(Excerpt from: Animal Production, 2023.5)
Anthony Liang- Hangzhou Well Sunshine Biotech Co.,LTD, May, 2024
Well Sunshine Group, has been focused on the production and development of sodium butyrate products for twelve years.
