Dietary supplementation with sodium isobutyrate enhances growth performance and colonic barrier function in weaned piglets via microbiota-metabolite-host interactions

作者：Xiuyu Fang, Zihan Chi, Zhengyi Wang, Xinlin Wang, Xuan Qu, Shuang Zhang, Feng Gao, Baoming Shi, Xuan Zhao · 发表于：Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology/Journal of animal science and biotechnology · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1186/s40104-025-01310-w · 被引用次数：6 · 研究领域：Animal Nutrition and Physiology、Gut microbiota and health、Muscle metabolism and nutrition

BACKGROUND: Weaning-induced diarrhoea and growth retardation in piglets are associated with impaired intestinal barrier function and decreased levels of colonic short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Although SCFA supplementation has been proposed to mitigate these issues, the efficacy and optimal dosage of sodium isobutyrate remain unclear. RESULTS: We investigated the effects of sodium isobutyrate supplementation (500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg/kg diet) on weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, 28 d of age; n = 8). After a 28-d feeding trial, supplementation at 500-2,000 mg/kg significantly improved average daily gain and feed efficiency and reduced diarrhoea frequency, with maximal benefits observed at 1,000 mg/kg (P < 0.0001). Additionally, 500-1,000 mg/kg sodium isobutyrate supplementation increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein, organic matter, and crude fibre (P < 0.05). Serum biochemical parameters were unaffected, although secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels significantly increased upon supplementation with 500-1,000 mg/kg (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that sodium isobutyrate increased the abundance of beneficial colonic microbiota. The 1,000 mg/kg group presented the most pronounced effect, with a significant increase of the relative abundance of Prevotella and the greatest improvement in SCFA concentrations (P < 0.05). Metabolomics revealed elevated levels of colonic indole-3-lactic acid and 3-hydroxybutyrate upon supplementati...