Buffer stabilized sodium butyrate enhances early growth and gut barrier function in broilers by modulating SCFA, antioxidant, and microbiota composition.

BACKGROUND: Early intestinal development plays a significant role in determining long-term broiler health and performance; however, information on the effects of new buffer salt-protected sodium butyrate (NBSB) during this stage remains limited. The present study evaluated the early stage effects of NBSB on growth performance, intestinal health, and cecal microbiota, building on our previous 42-day study using ELISA, RT-qPCR, gas chromatography, and 16S rRNA sequencing. In total, 192 day-old male broiler chicks were allocated to three groups using a completely randomized design with eight replicate cages per treatment (eight chicks per cage): (1) a corn soybean basal diet (CTRL), (2) CTRL + 0.01% aureomycin antibiotic (ANBX), and (3) CTRL + 0.08% NBSB.

RESULTS: Compared with the CTRL, NBSB increased the final body weight by 6.1%, ADG by 8.0%, and reduced FCR by 5.0% (P < 0.05), with no significant difference from the ANBX group. NBSB also significantly increased IL-10, IgA, IgG, and decreased TNF-α levels (P < 0.05) compared to ANBX. Additionally, NBSB increased villus height (VH) in the ileum and the VH: CD ratio in both the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). It further upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins, SOD, and T-AOC/MDA ratio in both intestinal segments, along with T-AOC levels in the jejunum (P < 0.05). NBSB also elevated acetic (AA) and butyric (BA) acid contents in the small and large intestines (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA analysis revealed that NBSB was associated with changes in microbial composition, including significant enrichment of SCFA-producing taxa, such as Ruminococcaceae, Eubacterium_hallii_group, and Ruminococcus (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: These associations suggest that NBSB may have potential as a supportive alternative to antibiotics in healthy broilers, although further studies under disease challenge conditions are needed.