The Effects of Tributyrin on Immune Function, Antioxidant Capacity, and Metabolomics in Young Pigeons

Tributyrin, a short-chain fatty acid derivative, has been shown to hold potential in improving intestinal health in livestock and poultry. However, its multidimensional effects on the health of meat pigeons, particularly during the young pigeon stage, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the comprehensive effects of dietary tributyrin supplementation on the growth, health status, intestinal function, and metabolic profile of young pigeons. A total of 100 healthy 29-day-old White King pigeons, with half male and half female, were randomly divided into a control group (fed a basal diet) and a treatment group (fed a basal diet supplemented with 1500 mg/kg tributyrin) for a 35-day trial. The results showed that compared with the control group, young pigeons in the treatment group had significantly reduced serum triglyceride levels, alanine aminotransferase activity, and concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), along with significantly increased levels of high-density lipoprotein, immunoglobulin G, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Concurrently, the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and ileum was significantly elevated, indicating improved intestinal morphological structure. Untargeted metabolomics analysis further revealed significant changes in the relative abundances of 13 key differential metabolites (e.g., L-carnitine, pyridoxamine, indoleacetic acid) in the small intestinal contents of the treatment group. These metabolites were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways such as 2-oxoCarboxylic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1500 mg/kg tributyrin can exert multifaceted beneficial effects on young pigeon health by improving lipid metabolism, enhancing immune and antioxidant functions, optimizing intestinal structure, and regulating the local metabolic network. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of tributyrin as a functional additive in the green and healthy production of meat pigeons.