Effects of probiotic and butyrate-based feed additives on growth performance, carcass yield and gut health of broiler chickens

Abstract

Highlights • Protected and blend butyrates consistently enhanced broiler growth performance.• Sodium-calcium butyrate supplementation markedly improved carcass dressing yield.• Dietary probiotics and butyrates benefited protein metabolism and liver function.• Bacillus subtilis and sodium butyrate significantly enhanced ileal histomorphology.• Bacillus subtilis or sodium butyrate completely eliminated harmful gut microbes.