Esterified butyric and valeric acids enhance broiler growth and intestinal health by modulating gut morphology and microbial profile

BACKGROUND Intestinal health is essential for nutrient absorption and pathogen defense, directly influencing broiler growth. Esterified butyric and valeric acids (EBVA) support intestinal integrity, but their combined effects on broiler performance and gut health remain underexplored. This research evaluated EBVA supplementation on broiler growth and intestinal health. Chicks were assigned to two groups: a positive control receiving the basal diet and an EBVA group receiving the basal diet supplemented with 500 mg kg−1 EBVA from day 1 to 28 and 250 mg kg−1 from day 29 to 42. RESULTS EBVA significantly improved average daily gain and feed conversion ratio during days 29–42 (P < 0.05) and 1–42 (P < 0.05). EBVA significantly improved villus height in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05) and increased jejunum villus‐to‐crypt ratio at day 42 (P < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of Occludin (P < 0.05) and Claudin‐1 (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the EBVA jejunal mucosa at day 28, while Zonula occludens‐1 (P < 0.05) and Occludin (P < 0.05) showed increased expression at day 42. EBVA modified the microbiota, significantly increasing Bacillus spp. in the terminal ileum at day 14 (P < 0.05) and Eggerthellaceae spp. at day 42 (P < 0.05), while reducing Streptococcus spp. at day 28 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION EBVA supplementation improved broiler growth and intestinal health by improving intestinal morphology, increasing barrier protein expression and modifying microbiota, suggesting potential for improved poultry production.