BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF SODIUM BUTYRATE SUPPLEMENTATION ON DAIRY CALVES
Sodium butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, has gained attention in the realm of dairy calf nutrition for its potential to impart numerous benefits.Feeding butyrate to calves accelerates the natural development of their gastrointestinal tract. Colostrum and milk provide considerably high dosages of butyrate to suckling calves, with butyrate concentrations of approximately 1 to 2% on a dry matter base. For calves fed calf milk replacers, it is advisable to include butyrate as well, to promote gastrointestinal development. Not only in the milk replacers butyrate supplementation is suitable. Also in solid feed for calves, butyrate acts beneficial for ruminal and/or intestinal development and addition of a butyrate source to a starter concentrate can improve calves health and performance.
The challenge of a good development
The development of the gastrointestinal tract is an important challenge of early life. Anatomy and physiology change considerably on a very short period of time. Starting from single stomach digestion in the abomasum, within a few weeks calves need to develop four functional stomachs. Both function and structure need to change as the calf grows. Butyrate is important to support in the development of the different epithelia from the rumen, the abomasum and the intestines.
During rumen development not only size needs to increase, also growth of papillae is required to develop a high surface area for absorption. This will be important for absorption of nutrients and for feed efficiency.
Once the functional rumen is fully developed, ruminal microbial population will generate high concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA): acetate, propionate and butyrate. In cows and fully matured ruminants, the natural butyrate produced by microbial fermentation of carbohydrates will further support the epithelial structure. A well- developed rumen contributes to a high milk production, as an optimal absorption of VFA is essential to meet the high energy requirements for production.
Supplementation of butyrate
Raising replacement heifers accounts for about 15 to 20% of expenses on a dairy farm. A good rumen development is necessary to support growth performance and feed efficiency, which can reduce the cost of replacement heifers.
For the young calves, additional butyrate will improve the development of their gastrointestinal tract and promote secretion of enzymes leading to improved digestibility of fat, lactose and protein. Adding butyrate to their diet, improves feed efficiency and growth, which is also essential for later performance. Next to that, antimicrobial effects of butyrate against different pathogens are widely reported and butyrate use also tends to lower the incidence of diarrhea (scours).
Fig: The application of butyrate sources in calves
The impact of butyrate on the calf can vary depending on the source of dietary butyrate being used (Figure 1). When butyrate is supplemented in liquid feed, which generally bypasses the rumen via the esophageal reflex, butyrate predominately affects the abomasum and small intestine. If butyrate is added to solid feed, it primarily affects the rumen, unless it is protected by micro-encapsulation providing a slow- release further in the intestinal tract, in the abomasum and intestines.
Available sources of butyrate for calves
Different sources of butyrate are available on the market. Some contain butyrate in the form of glycerides or in the form of a calcium or sodium salt. Sodium butyrate can moreover be micro-encapsulated to obtain a gradual delivery over the digestive tract. Free available
butyrate will be easily absorbed and metabolized. To provide butyrate at lower intestinal spots in small or even large intestine, a high-quality micro-encapsulated product with sustained release is essential. This targeted release over the entire intestinal tract is suitable for solid feed application. For the use in calf milk replacers or when especially development of the rumen is targeted, a more readily available source of butyrate will be suitable, such as pure sodium butyrate.
Development of abomasum and intestines will also influence ruminal development and vice versa. Consequently, both micro-encapsulated
and unprotected products will have beneficial impact on growth and animal performance (Figure 1).
BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF SODIUM BUTYRATE SUPPLEMENTATION ON DAIRY CALVES
- Improved Growth Performance:
- Enhanced Feed Efficiency: Sodium butyrate supplementation has been associated with improved feed utilization, leading to efficient conversion of nutrients into body mass.
- Increased Average Daily Gain: Studies suggest that calves receiving sodium butyrate show higher average daily gain, contributing to accelerated growth rates.
- Enhanced Nutrient Absorption:
- Improved Digestibility: Sodium butyrate has been shown to enhance the digestibility of nutrients, including proteins and fibers, leading to increased nutrient absorption in the digestive tract.
- Optimized Gut Health: The promotion of a healthy gut environment supports better nutrient utilization and absorption.
- Gut Health and Immune Function:
- Balanced Microbiota: Sodium butyrate acts as an energy source for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a balanced microbiota.
- Reduced Pathogen Load: Studies suggest that sodium butyrate may help reduce the colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the gut, supporting calf health.
- Enhanced Immune Response: A healthy gut environment positively influences the immune system, contributing to improved disease resistance.
- Reduced Incidence of Diarrhea:
- Antimicrobial Properties: Sodium butyrate exhibits antimicrobial effects, potentially reducing the occurrence and severity of diarrhea in dairy calves.
- Stabilized Intestinal Barrier: By promoting gut health, sodium butyrate helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier, reducing the risk of infections.
- Stress Mitigation:
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Sodium butyrate has been linked to anti-inflammatory properties, potentially mitigating the negative effects of stress on calf health.
- Cortisol Regulation: Studies suggest that sodium butyrate may help regulate cortisol levels, which can be beneficial during periods of stress.
- Improved Feed Intake:
- Appetite Stimulation: Sodium butyrate supplementation has been associated with increased feed intake, ensuring that calves receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
- Palatability Enhancement: Calves may find diets containing sodium butyrate more palatable, contributing to consistent feed consumption.
- Optimized Rumen Development:
- Promotion of Rumen Papillae Growth: Sodium butyrate supports the development of rumen papillae, crucial for efficient nutrient absorption and digestion in mature cattle.
- Early Weaning Success: Improved rumen development may facilitate successful weaning of calves at an earlier age.
- Practical Application in Feeding Programs:
- Incorporation in Diets: Sodium butyrate can be easily incorporated into milk replacers, starter feeds, or calf starter pellets.
- Feasibility: The practicality of sodium butyrate supplementation makes it an accessible and viable option for dairy calf nutrition programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of butyrate in calves acts beneficial to accelerate rumen development and to improve enzyme secretion and digestibility. It can be observed that supplementation enhances growth, reduces incidence of scours and boosts calf performance. Therefore, butyrate supplementation is beneficial to optimize the raise of replacement heifers.
Sodium butyrate supplementation presents a promising avenue for enhancing the growth, health, and performance of dairy calves. Its positive effects on nutrient absorption, gut health, immune function, and stress mitigation make it a valuable nutritional tool in the management of calf rearing programs. However, it is essential for farmers and nutritionists to consider individual herd characteristics, consult with veterinarians, and conduct further research to tailor sodium butyrate supplementation strategies for optimal results in their specific dairy farming contexts. As advancements in calf nutrition continue, sodium butyrate stands out as a beneficial supplement contributing to the overall success of dairy calf rearing practices.
Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
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