the Benefits of Sodium Butyrate in Animal Nutrition: Choosing Between 98% Powder and Coated Formulations

n recent years, sodium butyrate has emerged as a leading feed additive in animal nutrition, recognized for its ability to improve gut health, boost immunity, and enhance animal growth performance. As the livestock industry shifts toward antibiotic-free and sustainable production, sodium butyrate is increasingly becoming a vital component of modern feed formulations.

This article explores the functional benefits of sodium butyrate, and provides insights into choosing the right type—whether sodium butyrate 98% powder or coated sodium butyrate—based on specific animal species, production goals, and feeding strategies.

What Is Sodium Butyrate?

Sodium butyrate is the sodium salt of butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) naturally produced in the animal gut through microbial fermentation of dietary fibers. It plays a key role in maintaining intestinal integrity and modulating immune responses. As a feed additive, sodium butyrate is widely used in poultry, swine, and ruminant diets to promote gastrointestinal health and improve feed efficiency.

Functional Benefits of Sodium Butyrate in Animal Feed

1. Gut Health and Intestinal Integrity

Sodium butyrate serves as the primary energy source for colonocytes—the epithelial cells lining the colon. By fueling these cells, it helps maintain tight junctions, reduces gut permeability ("leaky gut"), and strengthens the mucosal barrier. This supports nutrient absorption and protects animals from intestinal infections.

2. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Numerous studies have demonstrated that sodium butyrate possesses antimicrobial properties, particularly against pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens. Additionally, it reduces intestinal inflammation by regulating cytokine expression, helping animals maintain optimal health under stress or pathogenic challenge.

3. Immune System Modulation

Sodium butyrate enhances immune responses by modulating the activity of immune cells such as macrophages and T-cells. It also plays a role in the expression of antimicrobial peptides, further enhancing the animal's natural defense mechanisms.

4. Improved Feed Efficiency and Growth Performance

By improving gut health and reducing subclinical infections, sodium butyrate indirectly enhances feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily gain (ADG). This is particularly valuable in intensive poultry and swine production systems aiming to maximize performance without relying on antibiotics.

Sodium Butyrate 98% Powder vs. Coated Sodium Butyrate: What's the Difference?

When formulating feed, choosing the right form of sodium butyrate is critical to ensure targeted delivery and cost-effectiveness. The two main forms used in the industry are sodium butyrate 98% powder and coated sodium butyrate.

Sodium Butyrate 98% Powder

Description: A highly concentrated, fine white powder containing ≥98% sodium butyrate.

Advantages:

• High activity due to its purity.

• Cost-effective on a per-unit active ingredient basis.

• Suitable for pelleting, with proper thermal stability during short-term exposure to heat.

• Fast absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract (mainly the stomach and small intestine).

Limitations:

• May cause odor and corrosion issues due to the volatility of butyric acid.

• Rapid release means less effect in the distal gut (colon), where butyrate is most beneficial.

• Not ideal for species or conditions requiring slow or targeted release.

Best suited for:

• Young animals with underdeveloped digestive systems.

• Formulations aiming for immediate gut health support.

• Feed mills looking for a cost-efficient butyric acid source with simple formulation needs.

Coated Sodium Butyrate

Description: Sodium butyrate encapsulated with a lipid or polymer coating, typically containing 30%–70% active ingredient.

Advantages:

• Targeted release in the lower gastrointestinal tract, particularly the small intestine and colon.

• Reduced odor, improving handling and feed palatability.

• Enhanced stability during feed processing and storage.

• Prolonged activity, ideal for sustained gut modulation.

Limitations:

• Lower concentration of active sodium butyrate compared to pure powder.

• Higher cost per kg, although offset by improved efficacy in specific applications.

Best suited for:

• Finishing pigs, broilers, and layers where gut health is key to performance.

• Long feeding programs requiring sustained butyric acid delivery.

• Antibiotic-free production systems needing enhanced pathogen control in the colon.

How to Choose the Right Form for Your Application

When deciding between sodium butyrate 98% powder and coated sodium butyrate, consider the following factors:

1. Animal Species and Age
Piglets and broiler chicks benefit from fast-release 98% powder for early gut development.

Grower-finisher pigs and layers respond better to coated forms for long-term intestinal support.

2. Production System
In intensive systems with disease pressure, coated forms provide more consistent gut health benefits.

In low-stress or organic systems, 98% powder may be sufficient and more economical.

3. Formulation and Feed Processing
If pelleting temperatures exceed 80°C, coated sodium butyrate offers better thermal protection.

For mash feeds, both forms are suitable, but coated forms reduce odor and dustiness.

4. Budget and Return on Investment
While 98% powder is cheaper upfront, coated forms may offer better ROI due to improved performance metrics and reduced veterinary costs.

Final Thoughts
Sodium butyrate is a powerful feed additive that offers multiple benefits across animal species. Choosing the right form—whether 98% sodium butyrate powder or coated sodium butyrate—depends on your specific goals, species, and operational needs.

As feed producers aim to enhance animal health and reduce antibiotic use, sodium butyrate will continue to be an essential tool in the nutritionist’s toolbox.