Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
05:51
Production of Germ-Free Fast-Growing Broilers from a Commercial Line for Microbiota Studies
Published on: June 18, 2020
Buffer stabilized sodium butyrate enhances early growth and gut barrier function in broilers by modulating SCFA,
Mebratu Melaku1,2, Huaibao Zhao1, Ruqing Zhong1
1State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
BMC Veterinary Research
|May 28, 2026
Summary
New buffer salt-protected sodium butyrate (NBSB) improved broiler growth performance and intestinal health, comparable to antibiotics. NBSB positively modulated the gut microbiota and immune responses, suggesting its potential as an antibiotic alternative.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Gut Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Early intestinal development is crucial for broiler health and performance.
- Limited data exists on the effects of new buffer salt-protected sodium butyrate (NBSB) during this critical stage.
- This study investigates NBSB's impact on early broiler development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of NBSB on broiler growth performance.
- To assess NBSB's impact on intestinal health and immune markers.
- To analyze NBSB's influence on cecal microbiota composition.
Main Methods:
- 192-day-old male broiler chicks were divided into three groups: basal diet (CTRL), CTRL + antibiotic (ANBX), and CTRL + NBSB.
- Growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune responses (ELISA), gene expression (RT-qPCR), and gut microbiota (16S rRNA sequencing) were analyzed.
- Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were quantified using gas chromatography.
Main Results:
- NBSB significantly improved body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), performing similarly to the antibiotic group.
- NBSB enhanced intestinal villus height, tight junction protein expression, and antioxidant capacity while modulating immune cytokines (IL-10, IgA, IgG, TNF-α).
- NBSB increased acetic and butyric acid levels and altered gut microbiota composition, enriching SCFA-producing bacteria.
Conclusions:
- NBSB demonstrates potential as a supportive alternative to antibiotics in healthy broilers.
- NBSB positively influences broiler growth, gut health, and immune status.
- Further research is needed to confirm NBSB efficacy under disease challenge conditions.
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