Long-term chemically protected sodium butyrate supplementation in broilers as an antibiotic alternative to...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Microbiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Chemically protected sodium butyrate (CSB) is a novel sodium butyrate formulation.
• Previous research indicated CSB's potential for improving broiler growth and intestinal development.
• Long-term effects of antibiotics and CSB on broiler gut microbiota require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term effects of antibiotic (enramycin and aureomycin) and CSB supplementation on the gut microbiota of broilers.
• To evaluate the impact of these treatments on growth performance, gut microbial composition, short-chain fatty acid production, and intestinal health.

Main Methods:

• One hundred ninety-two Arbor Acres male broilers were divided into three groups: control (CON), antibiotic-supplemented (ANT), and CSB-supplemented.
• Treatments were administered via diet for the duration of the study.
• Gut microbiota composition, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and anti-inflammatory/antioxidative capacities were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Both CSB and ANT supplementation improved weight gain and FCR compared to the control group.
• Antibiotic treatment led to an increase in pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Romboutsia, Shuttleworthia) and a decrease in beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides, Akkermansia).
• CSB supplementation enhanced beneficial bacteria (Bacteroides), reduced pathogens, increased propionic acid and total SCFAs, and improved anti-inflammatory and antioxidative capacities compared to CON and ANT groups.

Conclusions:

• Long-term antibiotic supplementation negatively impacts broiler gut microbiota homeostasis.
• CSB supplementation positively modulates gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacteria and SCFAs, and enhancing intestinal health.
• CSB demonstrates potential as an effective and safe alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in the broiler industry.