Sodium Butyrate in Pig Nutrition: Applications and Benefits

Efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable pork production remains a primary objective in modern pig farming. However, the extensive use of antibiotics in animal nutrition has raised significant concerns regarding food safety and the emergence of antibi-otic-resistant bacteria. These challenges have prompted the search for safe and effec-tive alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Sodium butyrate (SB), the sodium salt of butyric acid, has gained considerable attention as a functional feed additive in swine production. Its supplementation has been shown to improve intestinal mor-phology, regulate gut microbiota composition, and enhance immune competence, resulting in better nutrient utilization and growth performance.Furthermore, SB supplementation may contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing harm-ful gas emissions in pig housing. This review summarizes current knowledge on the application of sodium butyrate in pig nutrition, focusing on its mechanisms of action, effects on health and productivity, and potential environmental benefits. The find-ings indicate that SB represents a promising and safe alternative to antibiotics, sup-porting both animal welfare and sustainable pork production within modern live-stock systems.