Effects of sodium butyrate combined with natugrain enzyme on growth performance, ileal nutrient digestibility, and blood immunological and biochemical parameters in broiler chickens fed corn- or wheat-based diets

Document Type : Full Research Paper

Authors

Department of Animal Science, QaS.C, Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: The use of additives such as enzymes and sodium butyrate is an effective method to mitigate the negative effects of cereal grains in poultry nutrition. Objective: In this experiment, the effects of sodium butyrate, natugrain enzyme supplementation, and grain type, along with their interactions, were evaluated on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and blood parameters in broiler chickens. Methods: The experiment was designed with 400 male broiler chicks of the Ross 308 commercial strain, using eight treatments and five replications. The experimental treatments were arranged in a 2×2×2 factorial design, including two levels of sodium butyrate (0 and 500 mg/kg), two levels of enzyme (0 and 100 mg/kg), and two types of diet (corn- and wheat-based). Results: Throughout the entire rearing period, the feed conversion ratio was significantly improved in corn-based diets supplemented with sodium butyrate and enzyme. (P < 0.05). The use of wheat increased the relative weight of the gizzard and decreased that of the liver, and also increased the length of the ceca (P < 0.05). Enzyme supplementation increased blood triglyceride concentrations in broilers (P < 0.05). Antibody titers against Newcastle disease decreased in chickens fed sodium butyrate (P < 0.05). The inclusion of wheat in the diet reduced the digestibility of dry matter, ether extract, and apparent metabolizable energy (P < 0.05). Moreover, the addition of sodium butyrate and enzyme increased the digestibility of crude protein and apparent metabolizable energy (P < 0.05).Conclusions: It can be concluded that the use of enzyme and sodium butyrate improved the feed conversion ratio and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens fed diets containing different grains. Additionally, a reduction in antibody titers against Newcastle disease was observed in diets supplemented with sodium butyrate.

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Veterinary Research & Biological Products
Volume 39, Issue 3
October 2026
Pages 66-83

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 July 2026
  • Revise Date: 09 September 2026
  • Accept Date: 11 September 2026

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