Application of Tributyrin in Pig Farms

In pig farming, tributyrin has been used as a feed additive to provide butyric acid to pigs, offering various benefits to their health and performance.

Advantages of Tributyrin

1. Tributyrin is a short chain fatty acid ester, which is decomposed into butyric acid, glycerol butyrate and glycerin under the action of intestinal lipase.

Mainly in the form of nonionic dispersion, butyric acid is absorbed by intestinal mucosa cells. It is transported directly through the portal vein system to the liver to be further metabolized or used as the energy consumption of intestinal mucosal epithelial cells.

2.  Ameliorating the shape and structure of the small intestine

The small intestine is the most important digestive tract and the most important absorption place in the digestive tract. The functional unit of the small intestine is the villus. The integrity of the small intestine is usually expressed by the height of the intestinal villus and the depth of the recess. Tributyrin increased the intestinal villus height, reduced the depth of crypt, and increased the ratio of intestinal villus height to crypt depth.

3. Maintain intestinal mucosal cell integrity.

The small intestinal mucosa consists of epithelium, lamina propria and mucous membrane. The intestinal mucosa is mainly composed of epithelial cells and dispersed goblet cells. It has the function of digesting and decomposing food and transporting nutrients. Therefore, the integrity of mucosal epithelial cell structure is the guarantee for its digestion and absorption function.

4. Promote water and sodium absorption

Cumming JH and other (1995) believe that the butyric acid in the intestinal tract of the animal body can be exchanged through Na+-H+, stimulates the absorption of Na+, strengthens the absorption of intestinal water and reduces the incidence of diarrhea in animals.

5. Regulation of digestive tract bacteria

The flora of digestive tract has a very complicated influence on the morphology, structure, digestion and absorption of gastrointestinal tract. Under normal conditions, the beneficial bacteria group in the animal gastrointestinal tract is dominant, which can inhibit the adhesion and proliferation of the harmful bacteria and other harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract, which is beneficial to the physiological function of the intestines.

6. The inhibition of intestinal inflammation.

On the human medical study of butyrate glycerides for intestinal inflammatory diseases, especially in the treatment of human colon cancer, has a large number of experimental data.

When using tributyrin in pig farming, it's essential to follow recommended dosage guidelines and consider factors such as the pig's age, weight, and overall health. Consulting with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist is advisable to ensure proper incorporation of tributyrin into the pig's diet for maximum benefits.