Dietary supplementation of encapsulated butyric acid (ECaB) improved production, immunity and faecal microbial profile in laying hens

This trial assessed the impact of encapsulated butyric acid (ECaB) supplementation as a sustainable nutritional approach in the diet of laying hens during the mid-production period for its performance-enhancing role.2. A total of 288 White Leg Horn (WLH) layers, aged 42 weeks, were allotted to one of the four dietary treatments with six replicates of 12 birds each. The experimental diets were offered for a period of 16 weeks (43-58 weeks) at varied concentrations of ECaB (0, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg basal diet). Daily egg production, weekly feed intake, egg quality attributes, nutrient utilisation, faecal microbial counts and immune function were measured.3. Feed intake was similar among the treatment groups. Hens fed the ECaB500 diet showed significantly higher egg production (~3%) followed by ECAB250 and ECAB125 and enhanced feed conversion and egg mass. Eggshell thickness and villus: crypt ratio linearly increased with the level of ECaB supplementation. Faecal coliforms were significantly reduced due to ECaB supplementation. Nutrient utilisation and immune response (Humoral and cell mediated) showed significant improvement in hens supplemented with ECaB.4. It was concluded that dietary supplementation with ECaB250 and ECaB500 improved performances of mid-lay hens. This was seen in enhanced production, egg quality, immune responses, nutrient utilisation and favourable faecal microbial profile.