Functions of Butyrate Salts （Sodium butyrate, Calcium butyrate）

1. Functions of Butyrate Salts (Sodium butyrate, Calcium butyrate)
1.1 Rapid Energy Supply and Intestinal Development
Promotes the growth, differentiation, and repair of intestinal villi.

Increases villus height by up to 30%.

Scanning electron microscopy images of jejunal epithelium in piglets:

A: Sodium butyrate group – thick villi

B: Antibiotic group – thinner villi

C & D: Combination group – thickest, neatly aligned villi with clear structure

Source: China Agricultural University, Prof. Chen Yaoxing, 2004

1.2 Villus Growth Effects
1-day-old broiler chickens fed with butyrate for 13 days showed enhanced villus development in samples collected 12 cm before the cecum.

700 g/T butyrate: Reduced accumulation of epithelial cells, increased villus length.

Source: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium, ILVO 2010

2. Appetite-Stimulating Properties of Butyrate
Butyrate has a unique smell derived from milk fat (3.6–3.8% in breast milk), which powerfully stimulates feed intake.

Sensitivity to smell (concentration in mg/L of air):

Compound    Human    Pig    Sensitivity Difference
Acetic acid    0.005    7.5×10⁻¹¹    Pigs are much more sensitive
Butyric acid    0.009    1.3×10⁻¹²    Over 10 million times more sensitive

3. Selective Antibacterial Effects
Butyrate promotes beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Enterococcus faecium.

Inhibits harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.

In vitro antibacterial test of butyrate
(Diameter of inhibition zone in mm):

Pathogen    Inhibition Zone (mm)
Staphylococcus aureus    30
Escherichia coli    15
Salmonella    29

4. Stimulating Digestive Enzymes
Intestinal enzymes: Lactase, maltase, sucrase

Pancreatic enzymes: Amylase, protease, lipase

5. Anti-Inflammatory & Immune Modulation
Butyrate suppresses non-specific immune responses.

Reduces intestinal inflammation by stimulating macrophages to produce IL-10, which inhibits pro-inflammatory IL-12, thus regulating immune balance.

6. Enhancing Calcium Absorption
Mechanisms:

Promotes intestinal villus growth, increasing nutrient absorption area.

Lowers intestinal pH, enhances calcium salt solubility.

Upregulates gene expression of calcium transport proteins.

Benefits:

Reduces lameness in sows

Shortens farrowing duration

Improves eggshell quality

7. Enhancing Immune Cell Populations
Goblet cells: Secrete more mucus, strengthening intestinal barriers.

Intraepithelial lymphocytes & mast cells: Enhance mucosal immunity.

8. Additional Benefits
8.1 Improves Nutrient Digestibility
Reduces ammonia emissions in animal housing

Mitigates respiratory issues

8.2 Promotes Hemoglobin Synthesis
Increases red blood cell count and oxygen-carrying capacity

Makes coat glossier, relieves gestational breathing difficulties in sows, and boosts fetal vitality

8.3 Enhances Reproductive Hormone Activity
Elevates insulin levels in sows

Activates and strengthens corpus luteum function

Promotes progesterone production and estrus behavior