http://www.feedadditive.com/docs/butyrate-and-its-multifarious-effects-on-intestinal-health.pdf
Butyrate is a short chain fatty acid that deserves particular attention as an important energy source for cells in the intestinal tract and its multiple beneficial effects on vital intestinal function. In the digestive tract, butyrate is naturally present in high concentrations in the lumen of the large intestine. Dietary fibres are used in diets for companion animals as a substrate for the microbial production of butyrate. Microbial fermentation of dietary fibre in the colon results in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA’s), such as acetate, propionate and butyrate. The prebiotic potential of different fibre sources is frequently compared based on microbial production of SCFA’s and in particular butyrate. The positive effect of butyrate can also be achieved by direct addition of the SCFA to the diet. However, unprotected butyrate will be directly absorbed in the first part of the digestive tract before reaching the large intestine. Micro-encapsulation of butyrate results in the targeted release of butyrate over the whole digestive tract and, just as importantly, correct coating reduces the typical unpleasant smell of butyrate. Natural production of butyrate The intestinal microbiota plays a critical role in the establishment and maintenance of intestinal health. Fermentation of dietary fibres by commensal bacteria results in the production of SCFA’s. Approximately 95-99% of SCFA’s produced in the hindgut is quickly absorbed and delivers energy to the animal (1). Dietary fibre and their fermentation metabolites play an important role in the metabolism Butyrate and its multifarious effects on intestinal health