Sodium Butyrate Supplementation Research Articles

Effects of Long-Term Coated Sodium Butyrate Supplementation on the Intestinal Health and Colonization of Cecal Salmonella of Laying Hens Infected with Salmonella enteritidis.

Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is widely found in chickens and eggs, and it can potentially induce human illness. The investigation in this study centers on the impacts of long-term dietary supplementation with coated sodium butyrate (CSB) on intestinal well-being and the colonization of cecum Salmonella in laying hens infected with S. Enteritidis. We segregated a total of 120 Lohmann laying hens aged 51 weeks into four treatment categories: 0 (CON), 300 (CSB1), 500 (CSB2), and 800 (CSB3) mg/kg of CSB, supplemented with CSB from the first day of the experiment. A 24-week observation process was carried out for each laying hen. The S. Enteritidis was orally administered to all chickens on the morning of the first and third days of week 22 of the trial. After the S. Enteritidis challenge, egg production decreased the most in the CON group. Compared to the CON group, the three doses of CSB significantly improved egg production after the S. Enteritidis challenge (PANOVA < 0.05). S. Enteritidis challenge increased plasma DAO activity, but CSB supplementation reduced plasma DAO activity (Plinear < 0.05). The S. Enteritidis challenge disrupted intestinal villi morphology; compared to the CON group, the three dosages of CSB resulted in an increase in villus height (VH) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of infected laying hens (Plinear < 0.05), with a significant increase in jejunal villus height (PANOVA < 0.05). A decrease in ileal crypt depth was also observed (Plinear < 0.05). CSB2 and CSB3 markedly increased the content of butyric acid in the cecum (PANOVA < 0.05). Additionally, in contrast to those in the CON group, the propionic acid content in the CSB supplementation group increased (Plinear < 0.05). Compared with those in the CON group, mRNA relative expression of the IL-6 and IL-1β in jejunum (Plinear < 0.05) and mRNA relative expression of the IL-1β in ileum (PANOVA < 0.05) were significantly lower, and mRNA relative expression of the IL-10 in ileum (Plinear < 0.05) were significantly higher in the CSB group. In addition, in contrast to the CON group, the CSB supplementation group significantly upregulated mRNA relative expression of the ZO-1 and CLDN1 (PANOVA < 0.05). Additionally, CSB supplementation reduced the number of Salmonella and increased the number of Lactobacilli in the cecum (Plinear < 0.05) and tended to increase the total bacteria count (Plinear = 0.069) and reduce the E. coli count (Plinear = 0.081). In conclusion, long-term dietary supplementation with coated sodium butyrate can alleviate intestinal injury and the colonization of cecum Salmonella in laying hens infected with S. Enteritidis.

Distinct transcriptomic profile of satellite cells contributes to preservation of neuromuscular junctions in extraocular muscles of ALS mice.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive weakness of almost all skeletal muscles, whereas extraocular muscles (EOMs) are comparatively spared. While hindlimb and diaphragm muscles of end-stage SOD1G93A (G93A) mice (a familial ALS mouse model) exhibit severe denervation and depletion of Pax7+satellite cells (SCs), we found that the pool of SCs and the integrity of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are maintained in EOMs. In cell sorting profiles, SCs derived from hindlimb and diaphragm muscles of G93A mice exhibit denervation-related activation, whereas SCs from EOMs of G93A mice display spontaneous (non-denervation-related) activation, similar to SCs from wild-type mice. Specifically, cultured EOM SCs contain more abundant transcripts of axon guidance molecules, including Cxcl12, along with more sustainable renewability than the diaphragm and hindlimb counterparts under differentiation pressure. In neuromuscular co-culture assays, AAV-delivery of Cxcl12 to G93A-hindlimb SC-derived myotubes enhances motor neuron axon extension and innervation, recapitulating the innervation capacity of EOM SC-derived myotubes. G93A mice fed with sodium butyrate (NaBu) supplementation exhibited less NMJ loss in hindlimb and diaphragm muscles. Additionally, SCs derived from G93A hindlimb and diaphragm muscles displayed elevated expression of Cxcl12 and improved renewability following NaBu treatment in vitro. Thus, the NaBu-induced transcriptomic changes resembling the patterns of EOM SCs may contribute to the beneficial effects observed in G93A mice. More broadly, the distinct transcriptomic profile of EOM SCs may offer novel therapeutic targets to slow progressive neuromuscular functional decay in ALS and provide possible 'response biomarkers' in pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Distinct transcriptomic profile of satellite cells contributes to preservation of neuromuscular junctions in extraocular muscles of ALS mice

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive weakness of almost all skeletal muscles, whereas extraocular muscles (EOMs) are comparatively spared. While hindlimb and diaphragm muscles of end-stage SOD1G93A (G93A) mice (a familial ALS mouse model) exhibit severe denervation and depletion of Pax7+satellite cells (SCs), we found that the pool of SCs and the integrity of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are maintained in EOMs. In cell sorting profiles, SCs derived from hindlimb and diaphragm muscles of G93A mice exhibit denervation-related activation, whereas SCs from EOMs of G93A mice display spontaneous (non-denervation-related) activation, similar to SCs from wild-type mice. Specifically, cultured EOM SCs contain more abundant transcripts of axon guidance molecules, including Cxcl12, along with more sustainable renewability than the diaphragm and hindlimb counterparts under differentiation pressure. In neuromuscular co-culture assays, AAV-delivery of Cxcl12 to G93A-hindlimb SC-derived myotubes enhances motor neuron axon extension and innervation, recapitulating the innervation capacity of EOM SC-derived myotubes. G93A mice fed with sodium butyrate (NaBu) supplementation exhibited less NMJ loss in hindlimb and diaphragm muscles. Additionally, SCs derived from G93A hindlimb and diaphragm muscles displayed elevated expression of Cxcl12 and improved renewability following NaBu treatment in vitro. Thus, the NaBu-induced transcriptomic changes resembling the patterns of EOM SCs may contribute to the beneficial effects observed in G93A mice. More broadly, the distinct transcriptomic profile of EOM SCs may offer novel therapeutic targets to slow progressive neuromuscular functional decay in ALS and provide possible ‘response biomarkers’ in pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Sodium butyrate supplementation in two-level fishmeal diets for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): growth performance, immunological responses, and intestinal investigation

Abstract The dietary effect of sodium butyrate, Butirex®C4 (NaBT), on some physiological and immunological responses, as well as carcass and fillet quality were studied in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (initial body weight, 16.63±0.10 g; mean ± SE) fed two-level fishmeal (FM) diets. Six experimental diets were formulated to include two levels of FM (15% and 30%) and supplemented with incremental levels of NaBT (0%, 0.25%, and 0.5%). An improvement in growth performance was obtained in fish fed diet containing 0.5% NaBT+30% FM. Dietary NaBT inclusion significantly increased the digestive enzyme activity of fish compared to those without a NaBT diet. The highest immune parameters for mucus and serum were observed in fish fed with 0.25% NaBT+30% FM and 0% NaBT+30% FM diets, respectively. Fish fed diets containing 0.5% NaBT+15% FM and 0.25% NaBT+30% FM had significantly higher antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx)) in comparison to other groups. At selected NaBT levels, fish fed with FM (15% and 30%) showed higher bactericidal activity in comparison to group fed diet without NaBT supplementation. Based on the results of the intestine microflora, the highest gastrointestinal tract (GIT) total count and GIT lactic acid count were observed in groups included with 0% NaBT+15% FM and 0.5% NaBT+30% FM. Fish fed diets containing 0.5% NaBT+15% and 30% FM showed improvement in fillet quality in comparison to other groups. In conclusion, dietary NaBT supplementation, especially at the inclusion level of 0.5%, can improve physiological and immunological responses and reduce the adverse effects of the diets with the lower FM in rainbow trout.

Improving Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Utilization with Sodium Butyrate in Nile Tilapia Diets: Effects on Growth Performance, Intestinal Histology, Antioxidative Response, and Blood Biomarkers

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) meal was introduced to aquafeed as a suitable protein source to replace fish meal (FM) and soybean meal and, thereby, consistent aquaculture production. However, mealworms should be added at adequate levels due to the presence of antinutritional factors such as chitin. Consequently, sodium butyrate (SB) is suggested to improve feed quality and ensure aquatic animals’ productivity and welfare. In this study, parallel with the protein source (T. molitor meal or FM), dietary supplementation of SB (1 g/kg) is involved as a factor in the 2 × 2 factorial study. The first and the second diets were formulated using FM as a protein source with or without SB, while the third and fourth diets were prepared by replacing FM with T. molitor meal with or without SB supplementation. After 60 days, fish fed with FM or T. molitor and SB showed improved final body weight and weight gain, while those fed with T. molitor without SB had a reduced protein efficiency ratio. Histological analysis revealed that dietary SB improved intestinal histological features by increasing the height and branching of intestinal villi and immune cell infiltration near intestinal crypts in Nile tilapia-fed FM or T. molitor. Furthermore, fish-fed FM or T. molitor and SB had higher Hb, red blood cells, PCV, total protein, and globulin levels than fish-fed respective test diets without SB supplementation. Dietary SB addition to FM or T. molitor-based diets also significantly enhanced blood lysozyme and phagocytic activities, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced MDA levels. Our results demonstrate that T. molitor meal can replace FM without compromising Nile tilapia’s growth performance and health status. Additionally, SB supplementation improved T. molitor meal utilization by Nile tilapia, thereby significantly enhancing the growth, digestion capacity, intestinal histological features, and antioxidative and immune responses. Consequently, dietary T. molitor meal reduces the reliance on FM and improves the sustainability and efficiency of Nile tilapia production.

Exploring the Role of G Protein Expression in Sodium Butyrate-Enhanced Pancreas Development of Dairy Calves: A Proteomic Perspective.

The present study evaluated the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on exocrine and endocrine pancreatic development in dairy calves. Fourteen male Holstein calves were alimented with either milk or milk supplemented with SB for 70 days. Pancreases were collected for analysis including staining, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and proteomics. Results indicated increased development in the SB group with increases in organ size, protein levels, and cell growth. There were also exocrine enhancements manifested as higher enzyme activities and gene expressions along with larger zymogen granules. Endocrine benefits included elevated gene expression, more insulin secretion, and larger islets, indicating a rise in β-cell proliferation. Proteomics and pathway analyses pinpointed the G protein subunit alpha-15 as a pivotal factor in pancreatic and insulin secretion pathways. Overall, SB supplementation enhances pancreatic development by promoting its exocrine and endocrine functions through G protein regulation in dairy calves.

Modulating Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Preweaning Dairy Calves: Dose-Dependent Effects of Milk-Based Sodium Butyrate Supplementation.

Sodium butyrate (SB), an essential nutritional additive for livestock, has drawn notable interest for its potential for enhancing microbiota development in ruminant animals. This study aimed to assess SB's effects on ruminal and intestinal microbiota when added to milk for preweaning dairy calves nearing 45 days old. We administered SB in the calves' milk at four levels: 0 g/d (control), 4.4 g/d (low), 8.8 g/d (medium), and 17.6 g/d (high). After a six-week trial with ten replicates per group, ruminal fluid and fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing, specifically targeting the V3-V4 regions to analyze microbiota. The results indicated an enhancement in ruminal microbiota, particularly in community richness, with low-level SB supplementation but minimal benefits from medium and high levels of supplementation. Increasing the level of SB supplementation had a negative impact on intestinal microbiota, affecting community richness and some potentially beneficial bacterial genera. However, low SB supplementation could positively adjust the communication between ruminal and intestinal microbiota. Overall, this study suggests feeding milk supplemented with a low level of SB to suckling calves close to an older age to promote ruminal microbiota development.

Sodium butyrate alleviates heat stress-induced damage to morphology, anti-oxidant status, inflammatory response and barrier integrity in jejunum of broilers

To evaluate the protective effects of sodium butyrate (SB) on intestinal morphology, anti-oxidant status, inflammatory response and barrier integrity in male broilers under heat stress. A total of 180 21-d-old male Arbour Acres broilers with similar body weight were used for this 21-d experiment. Broilers were randomly allocated to three groups: CON group, basal diet and raised under 24 °C; HS group, basal diet and raised under heat stress condition (34 °C from 10:00 to 18:00 and 24 °C for the rest time); HS-SB group, basal diet with 1200 mg/kg SB and raised under heat stress condition. Compared to the HS group, SB supplementation increased average daily gain (ADG), villus height: crypt depth ratio (VH: CD), VH, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) level, decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR), CD, reactive oxygen species (ROS), IL-1β and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level, up-regulated the mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, haem oxygenase 1, GSH 1 (GPX1), SOD and CAT, down-regulated the mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear transcription factors, IL-1β, and TNF-α in jejunum of heat-stressed broilers. Furthermore, SB supplementation up-regulated the mRNA expression of occluding, claudin-1 and zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) in jejunum of heat-stressed broilers, accompanied with decreasing serum endotoxin and D-lactic acid concentration, and diamine oxidase (DAO) activity. There results suggested that SB supplementation could alleviate heat stress-induced jejunal tight junction structure dysfunction by up-regulated the expression of occluding, claudin-1 and ZO-1, presumably through alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory response. HIGHLIGHTS Sodium butyrate alleviated heat stress-induced jejunal morphology damage. Sodium butyrate alleviated heat stress-induced jejunal oxidative damage. Sodium butyrate alleviated heat stress-induced jejunal inflammatory response. Sodium butyrate alleviated heat stress-induced tight junction structure dysfunction.

Effect of feeding sodium butyrate to beef female cows during pre- and post-partum period on concentrations of glucagon-like peptides in plasma and colostrum.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding beef cows with sodium butyrate during the late pregnancy and early post-partum periods on concentrations of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and 2 in plasma, colostrum, and transition milk. Twelve Japanese Black female cows were fed concentrate feed without (CON; n = 6) or with (BUTY; n = 6) sodium butyrate supplementation at 1.1% of dietary dry matter from -60 d relative to the expected parturition date to 4d after parturition. Plasma total cholesterol concentration was higher for the BUTY than for the CON (P = 0.04). In addition, plasma GLP-1 concentration was higher for the BUTY than for the CON at 3d after calving (P < 0.05). This study showed for the first time that GLP-1 is present in the colostrum of Japanese Black cows at higher concentrations as compared to in plasma (P < 0.01). On the other hand, no treatment effect was observed for concentrations of metabolite and hormone in colostrum and transition milk. In summary, feeding beef cows with sodium butyrate during the late gestation and early post-partum period likely increases plasma GLP-1 concentrations post-partum without affecting the components of colostrum and transition milk.

Coated sodium butyrate and vitamin D3 supplementation improve gut health through influencing intestinal immunity, barrier, and microflora in early-stage broilers.

Intestinal development and function are critical to maintaining sustained broiler growth. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of coated sodium butyrate (CSB) and vitamin D3 (VD3) on the intestinal immunity, barrier, oxidative stress and microflora in early-stage broilers. In total, 192 one-day-old broilers were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design including two dietary supplements at two different levels, in which the main effects were VD3 (3000 or 5000 IU kg-1) and CSB (0 or 1 g kg-1). The results showed that CSB supplementation increased ileal goblet cells (GCs) numbers, villus height and decreased crypt depth in broilers. CSB increased ileal proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression and high-level VD3 decreased cluster of differentiation 3 expression. CSB reduced serum d-lactate, endotoxin (ET), adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) level. Meanwhile, high-level VD3 decreased serum ET concentration. Furthermore, CSB increased ileal T-AOC, lysozyme (LYZ) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and decreased MDA, whereas high-level VD3 decreased ileal MDA and increased secretory immunoglobulin A. CSB up-regulated ileal claudin1, superoxide dismutase 1, TGF-β and LYZ mRNA expression and down-regulated interleukin-1β mRNA expression. CSB combined with high-level VD3 increased ileal Faecalibaculum abundance. Spearman correlation analysis showed that Faecalibaculum was related to the immune and barrier function. Dietary supplementation with CSB and high-level VD3 improved early gut health in broilers by promoting intestinal development, enhancing antioxidant capacity, strengthening barrier function and enhancing the favorable composition of the gut bacterial flora. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

P859 Sodium Butyrate supplementation significantly improved clinical outcomes and quality of life in patients with Crohn’s Disease – results from a randomized placebo-controlled study

Abstract Background Butyrate has shown anti-inflammatory effects and plays an important role in maintaining gut homeostasis, providing symptomatic relief when orally supplemented in patients suffering from various colonic diseases. Methods In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study 140 IBD patients in remission or with mild disease (n=60 Crohn's disease, CD and n=80 Ulcerative Colitis, UC) were randomized to oral administration of BLM/placebo for 90 days in addition to conventional therapy. As primary aim: changes in microbiome composition induced by BLM treatment. Fecal microbiota from stool samples was assessed by 16S sequencing. Clinical disease activity assessed by using Harvey Bradshaw Index (HBI) for CD and partial-Mayo Score (pMS) for UC, quality of life assessed by using Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire 32 (IBDQ-32) and adherence-dietary-raccomandation( WCRF) were evaluated before and after treatment. Results Demographics, clinical and dietary characteristics were similar between the two populations. The microbiota sequencing highlighted two different enterotypes in CD population: the first one was characterized by a low F/B ratio (with a genus prevalence of Fusobacteriota, Alistipes, and Blautia). The second enterotype was characterized by a higher F/B ratio (with a genus prevalence of Escherichia-Shigella and Lachnoclostridium)(Fig1). BLM had a more pronounced effect on enterotype-1 where the taxa associated with intestinal comfort, SCFA production, increased after treatment, while the taxa associated with CRC and intestinal inflammation, decreased. After treatment was observed: a)improved quality of life (IBDQ-32: CD: treat. 170/184 vs Pb. 188/197 p&amp;lt;0.001 vs p=0.021; UC: treat.185/195 vs Pb.188/188 p=0.003 vs p=0.4), b)lower disease activity in CD patients (the HBI score, showed a significant improvement for those treated with BLM as compared to placebo (McNemar’s p=0.013 vs p&amp;gt;0.9).c) reduced Calprotectin levels (Table1.) Finally, a significant separation was observed in samples from patients who have undergone minor surgery (ileo-colon), compared to non-surgery patients. The variable "surgery" seems to be associated with the enterotype-1. Conclusion Sodium butyrate supplementation significantly improved clinical outcomes and quality of life in patients with CD. Our data showed that the differential response to BLM treatment is based on enterotype, suggesting that Enterotype-1 patients may experience greater clinical benefits and improvements in QoL compared to Enterotype-2 patients in both UC and CD populations.

Sodium butyrate administration improves intestinal development of suckling lambs.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal barrier functions, and intestinal bacterial communities in sucking lambs. Forty lambs of 7 d old, with an average body weight (BW) of 4.46 ± 0.45kg, were allocated into the control (CON) or SB group, with each group having five replicate pens (n = 5). Lambs were orally administered SB at 1.8mL/kg BW in the SB group or the same volume of saline in the CON group. Treatments were administered from 7 to 35 d of age, when one lamb from each replicate was slaughtered to obtain intestinal tissues and contents. The results showed that supplementation with SB tended to increase the BW (P = 0.079) and the starter intake (P = 0.089) of lambs at 35 d of age. The average daily gain of lambs in the SB group was significantly greater than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). The villus height of jejunum in the SB group was markedly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the CON group. In ileum, lambs in the SB group had lower (P < 0.05) crypt depth and greater (P < 0.05) villus-to-crypt ratio than those in the CON group. Compared with the CON group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Claudin-1 and Occludin were increased (P < 0.05) in the SB group. Supplementation with SB decreased the relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridia_UCG-014 (P = 0.094) and Romboutsia (P < 0.05), which were negatively associated with the intestinal barrier function genes (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Succiniclasticum (P < 0.05) was higher in the SB group, and it was positively correlated with the ratio of villi height to crypt depth in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the function "Metabolism of Cofactors and Vitamins" was increased in the SB group lambs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, SB orally administration during suckling period could improve the small intestine development and growth performance of lambs by inhibiting the harmful bacteria (Clostridia_UCG-014, Romboutsia) colonization, and enhancing intestinal barrier functions.

Buty and the beast: the complex role of butyrate in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease which is often associated with gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction. The GI tract is home to a wide range of microorganisms, among which bacteria, that can influence the host through various mechanisms. Products produced by these bacteria can act in the gut but can also exert effects in the brain via what is now well established to be the microbiota-gut-brain axis. In those with PD the gut-bacteria composition is often found to be different to that of non-PD individuals. In addition to compositional changes, the metabolic activity of the gut-microbiota is also changed in PD. Specifically, it is often reported that key producers of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as well as the concentration of SCFAs themselves are altered in the stool and blood of those with PD. These SCFAs, among which butyrate, are essential nutrients for the host and are a major energy source for epithelial cells of the GI tract. Additionally, butyrate plays a key role in regulating various host responses particularly in relation to inflammation. Studies have demonstrated that a reduction in butyrate levels can have a critical role in the onset and progression of PD. Furthermore, it has been shown that restoring butyrate levels in those with PD through methods such as probiotics, prebiotics, sodium butyrate supplementation, and fecal transplantation can have a beneficial effect on both motor and non-motor outcomes of the disease. This review presents an overview of evidence for the altered gut-bacteria composition and corresponding metabolite production in those with PD, with a particular focus on the SCFA butyrate. In addition to presenting current studies regarding SCFA in clinical and preclinical reports, evidence for the possibility to target butyrate production using microbiome based approaches in a therapeutic context is discussed.

Microencapsulated Sodium Butyrate Alleviates Immune Injury and Intestinal Problems Caused by Clostridium Perfringens through Gut Microbiota.

Microencapsulated sodium butyrate (MS-SB) is an effective sodium butyrate additive which can reduce the release of sodium butyrate (SB) in the fore gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we assess the protective effects and mechanisms of MS-SB in Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens)-challenged broilers. Broiler chickens were pre-treated with SB or MS-SB for 56 days and then challenged with C. perfringens three times. Our results indicate that the addition of MS-SB or SB before C. perfringens infection significantly decreased the thymus index (p < 0.05). Serum IgA, IgY, and IgM concentrations were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) under MS-SB or SB supplementation. Compared with SB, MS-SB presented a stronger performance, with higher IgA content, as well as a lower IL-1β level when normal or C. perfringens-challenged. While C. perfringens challenge significantly decreased the villus height (p < 0.05), MS-SB or SB administration significantly increased the villus height and villus height/crypt depth (V/C ratio) (p < 0.05). Varying degrees of SB or MS-SB increased the concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) during C. perfringens challenge, where MS-SB presented a stronger performance, as evidenced by the higher content of isovaleric acid and valeric acid. Microbial analysis demonstrated that both SB or MS-SB addition and C. perfringens infection increase variation in the microbiota community. The results also indicate that the proportions of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Clostridia, Ruminococcaceae, Alistipes, and Clostridia were significantly higher in the MS-SB addition group while, at same time, C. perfringens infection increased the abundance of Bacteroides and Alistipes. In summary, dietary supplementation with SB or MS-SB improves the immune status and morphology of intestinal villi, increases the production of VFAs, and modulates cecal microbiota in chickens challenged with C. perfringens. Moreover, MS-SB was more effective than SB with the same supplemental amount.

Effects of Dietary Microcapsule Sustained-Release Sodium Butyrate on the Growth Performance, Immunity, and Gut Microbiota of Yellow Broilers

The beneficial effects of butyric acid in poultry production are well documented, while the relationship between sodium butyrate (SB) and microcapsule sustained-release sodium butyrate (MSSB), especially in yellow broilers, remains poorly investigated. This study was designed to elucidate the function as well as the potential mechanisms of SB and MSSB in enhancing health in yellow broilers. In total, 360 one-day-old yellow broilers were allocated to three treatment groups. The control group (CON) received a basic diet, while the SB group was provided with 1000 mg/kg of sodium butyrate (SB), and the MSSB received microcapsule sustained-release sodium butyrate (MSSB), all over a period of 56 days. Compared to the CON group, the dietary supplementation of both SB and MSSB showed a lower feed:gain ratio (p &lt; 0.01). No significant (p &gt; 0.05) difference in antioxidant capacity was observed between the three groups. We observed significantly higher levels (p &lt; 0.05) of immunoglobulins and a reduction in concentrations in both the SB and MSSB groups compared to the CON group. Furthermore, both SB and MSSB induced alterations in the diversity, structure, and function of gut microbiota. MSSB demonstrated even more pronounced beneficial effects than SB, particularly in regard to the serum IgA level (p = 0.05), cecal isovalerate concentration (p &lt; 0.05), and villus height (p &lt; 0.01). The sequencing of the gut microbiota revealed that MSSB led to a significant increase in the relative abundance of Clostridia UCG-014, Bacilli RF39, and Oscillospiraceae UCG-005. Predictions of bacterial function indicated changes in KEGG pathways, including an enrichment of tryptophan metabolism (ko00380), and a reduction in fructose and mannose metabolism (ko00051), chloroalkane and chloroalkene degradation (ko00625), and naphthalene degradation (ko00626) in yellow broilers fed with MSSB. Among these, the mediation analysis revealed a causal effect between the Clostridia UCG-014 in the gut and serum IgA, with tryptophan metabolism being a key mediator in this relationship. Our results suggest that dietary MSSB can improve the growth performance, immunity, and gut microbiota of yellow broilers. MSSB increased the abundance of Clostridia UCG-014 and activated the tryptophan metabolism pathway (ko00380), contributing to IgA levels in yellow broilers through this mechanism.

Sodium butyrate improves the growth performance, intestinal immunity, and ammonia tolerance of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco by increasing the relative abundance of Candidatus_Arthromitus

The study aimed to analyze the effect of dietary sodium butyrate (SB) on intestinal digestive enzyme activity, liver physiological status, immune parameter, intestinal microbiota structure and composition, and ammonia tolerance in yellow catfish. Over the course of an 8-week experiment, four separate groups including 480 healthy male yellow catfish (1.52 ± 0.66 g) were fed diets containing varying concentrations of SB: 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2%. Following this, an acute ammonia stress experiment that lasted for 96-h was conducted. The study showed that dietary supplementation of SB can improve growth performance and feed utilization (weight gain rate increased from 163.66 to 226.1%; specific growth rate increased from 1.73 to 2.11%/d; feed conversion rate decreased from 2.02 to 1.34), and increase intestinal digestive enzyme activity (lipase increased from 22.66 to 41.46 U/mg prot; amylase increased from 0.38 to 0.46 U/mg prot; pepsin increased from 10.13 to 12.83 U/mg prot). Plasma total protein (from 510.79 to 523.02 μg/mL), 50% hemolytic complement (from 35.46 to 40.46 U/mL), and immunoglobulin M (from 0.45 to 0.48 g/L) increased as dietary SB levels. On the contrary, plasma glucose (from 6.2 to 3.39 mmol/mL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (from 0.38 to 0.25 mmol/mL), aspartate aminotransferase (from 55.66 to 37.36 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (from 358.82 to 283.25 U/L), superoxide dismutase (from 163.84 to 147.13 U/mL), catalase (from 152.89 to 135.07 U/mL), tumor necrosis factor-α (from 67.58 to 62.13 pg/mL), interleukin-1 (from 40.07 to 30.96 pg/mL), and interleukin-8 (from 57.16 to 52.16 pg/mL) decreased with dietary SB levels. In addition, dietary supplementation of 0.2% SB significantly increased the relative abundance of Candidatus_Arthromitus in intestine by approximately 22-fold. To sum up, the utilization of SB has potential to enhance fish growth performance, elevate its physiological status, and improve its ability to tolerate acute ammonia toxicity. This is achievable by increasing the prevalence of Candidatus_Arthromitus in the intestine.

Dietary effects of supplementing Clostridium butyricum culture or sodium butyrate in low fishmeal diet on growth, serum indicators, intestinal histology and microbiota of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

The present study aimed to evaluate the dietary effects of Clostridium butyricum culture (CC) or sodium butyrate (SB) on the growth, feed utilization, serum indicators, intestinal histology and microbiota of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). CC and coated SB (50%) were supplemented to a low fish meal diet (245 g/kg) (control diet) at the inclusion levels of 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg, to form five iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets (control, CC-1, CC-2, SB-1, and SB-2). Then, the five diets were fed to largemouth bass with initial body weight of 70.2 ± 0.1 g. After 8 weeks of feeding, dietary supplementation of 1 g/kg CC increased the weight gain (WG) by 7.4% (P < 0.05), and decreased the feed conversion ratio by 0.09 (P < 0.05), while dietary SB just numerically improved the WG (P > 0.05), when compared to the control. The muscle composition was not significantly affected by the inclusion of CC or SB (P > 0.05). Dietary inclusion of CC or SB significantly reduced serum diamine oxidase activity and increased lysozyme activity (P < 0.05), while the decreased D-lactic acid level was observed only in the two SB groups (P < 0.05). In intestinal histology, the 1.0 g/kg CC group presented significantly higher intestinal villus height, width and muscle layer thickness than the control group (P < 0.05). The intestinal microbiota analysis showed that dietary CC or SB (1 g/kg) increased the abundance of Fusobacteriota and Cetobacterium, decreased the abundance of Proteobacteria and Aeromonas. In conclusion, the supplementation of CC in low fish meal diet promoted the growth performance, feed utilization, and both CC and SB supplementation positively modulated the intestinal microorganism community of largemouth bass.

Influences of dietary sodium butyrate on growth, digestion, antioxidant capacity and health in juvenile Onychostoma macrolepis fed on high-fat diet

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid with growth and immune regulatory effects. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) on Onychostoma macrolepis fed high-fat diet. O.macrolepis (2.5 ± 0.1 g) were kept in twelve aquariums (three aquarium /treatment, fifteen fish / aquarium), fed a high-fat diet (control), and high-fat diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2% or 0.4% SB for fifty-six days. The results showed that the supplementation of 0.2% SB in high-fat diet significantly promoted the growth of O.macrolepis. Simultaneously, dietary SB supplementation improved lipase and trypsin activities and intestinal histological morphology of O.macrolepis consuming with high-fat diets. Furthermore, the supplementation of 0.2% or 0.4% SB in the diet enhanced serum immunity and intestinal antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the addition of 0.2–0.4% SB up-regulated the transcriptional level of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha (pparα) gene, thereby activating pparα-mediated β-oxidation and mitigating liver lipid accumulation of O.macrolepis. In summary, the addition of 0.2–0.4% SB in high-fat diet was beneficial to growth, digestion, immunity and health of O.macrolepis. This study provides a reference for SB as a functional additive of aquatic feed.

Effects of dietary sodium butyrate on growth performance, immune function, and intestinal microflora of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis).

The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) has become increasingly susceptible to frequent diseases with the intensification of farming, which severely impacts the development of the aquaculture industry. Sodium butyrate (SB) is widely used as a feed additive due to its promotion of growth, enhancement of immune function, and antioxidative properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary SB on the growth performance, immune function, and intestinal microflora of Chinese soft-shelled turtles. A total of 300 Chinese soft-shelled turtles (mean weight: 11.36 ± 0.21g) were randomly divided into four groups with three parallel sets in each group. Each group was fed a diet supplemented with 0%, 0.005%, 0.01%, or 0.02% SB for 60 days. The results demonstrated an upward trend in weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) with increasing SB supplementation, and the experimental group fed with 0.02% SB showed a significant increase in WGR and SGR compared to other groups (P< 0.05). These levels of SB also decreased the levels of feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the total cholesterol (TC) content of Chinese soft-shelled turtles, and the 0.02% SB was significantly lower than that of other groups (P< 0.05). The activity of complement protein in vivo increased with increases in SB content, and the activities of complement C3 and C4 reached the highest level with 0.02% SB. The species abundance of the experimental group D fed with 0.02% SB was significantly higher than that of other groups (P< 0.05). Furthermore, the relative abundance of Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was significantly increased with 0.02% SB (P< 0.05). In conclusion, adding 0.02% SB to the diet improves the growth performance, feed digestion ability, and intestinal microbiota of Chinese soft-shelled turtles.

Interactions of starter starch and sodium butyrate for preweaned dairy calves: Growth performance, rumen development, and microbiota

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation in calf starters with varying starch content on the growth performance, rumen fermentation, morphological and functional development of the rumen, and rumen microbiota in preweaned dairy calves. In experiment 1, 120 Holstein calves (41.7 ± 2.81 kg BW; 16.0 ± 1.75 d age) were grouped and organized in a complete randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: (1) low starch (270 g/kg DM) starter without SB supplementation (LS), (2) low starch starter with SB supplementation (5 g/kg of dietary DM; LSB), (3) high starch (370 g/kg) starter without SB supplementation (HS), and (4) high starch starter with SB supplementation (HSB), and data on calf growth performance and intake were collected. In experiment 2, 32 individually fed Holstein calves (39.4 ± 1.05 kg BW; 2 d age) followed the same experimental design as experiment 1, and data on growth performance, intake, blood parameters, and ruminal development were collected. Calves were fed milk until fully weaned on d 65, and water and starter were provided daily ad libitum. Interactions between starter starch and SB supplementation significantly affected (P < 0.05) or showed tendencies (P < 0.10) in final BW, frame size measurements, average daily gain, dry matter intake, and selected serum indexes. For the rumen fermentation indexes, the starter starch × SB supplementation interaction tended to affect (P < 0.10) the propionate concentration and acetate/propionate ratio. For ruminal morphology and function, a starter starch × SB supplementation interaction was observed on muscularis thickness (P < 0.05); similar interaction effects were observed in the physical structure (keratinization score), proliferation and apoptosis of rumen papilla, and the expression of monocarboxylate transporter 4 and peptide transporter 1 of the ruminal epithelium (P < 0.05). For the rumen microbiota, starch × SB supplementation interaction effects were observed on the community diversity and evenness and on the abundances of the microbial genera Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-002, NK4A214_group, and Family_XIII_UCG-001 (P < 0.05). These findings underscore the importance of considering the starch content of calf starters when incorporating SB supplementation in preweaned dairy calves.