Efficacy of double-buffered sodium butyrate supplementation in low energy-protein broiler diets

Abstract

Previous studies have shown the benefit of a double-buffered sodium butyrate (DBSB) on the performance of broilers fed low energy and protein diets (LEP). The aim of this study was to evaluate if doing a higher reduction of energy and protein in broiler diets, DBSB allows to reach the performance of birds fed a classic field diet. A total of 972 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb-500) were allocated in floor pens in a completely randomized block design (9 replicates/treatment). A three phases feeding program was used (1-7; 8-21; 22-33 days). Control diets (CTRL) were formulated according to requirements used by the local industry (AME-kcal/kg: 2,950, 3,000, 3,100; CP-%: 22.0, 20.0, 18.5; Lys dig-%: 1.22, 1.12, 1.03) and LEP diets were formulated to achieve a reduction in energy and protein: - 3% of AME, CP and for digestible amino acids for LEP and -5% for VLEP. DBSB (54% uncoated SB; BUTYLin 54, Dietaxion) was included on-top from 1 to 33 days at 600 ppm in the treated diets (factorial 3x2). Birds and feed were weighed weekly individually and by pen, respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. At the end of the experiment an interaction was observed for Feed Intake (FI) (p≤0.05). When DBSB was added to LEP diets the FI increased (p≤0.05) but was not different for CTRL and VLEP diets (p>0.05). At 33-d Body Weight (BW) decreased as the nutrient deficit increased (p≤0.05). When DBSB was added to the diets, regardless of the nutrient level, it increased BW at the same age (p≤0.05). The FCR increased as the nutrient levels in the diet decreased (p≤0.05). When DBSB was added to the diets, regardless of the nutrient level, no effects were observed in FCR (p>0.05). BW/FCR decreased as the nutrient level decreased (p≤0.05) but increased when DBSB was added (p>0.05). The supplementation of 600 ppm of DBSB in broilers fed LEP or VLEP diets enables to get similar BW compared to birds fed a common field diet, which means that DBSB is then a good strategy to save resources and avoid excess of excretions in the environment.