Regulation of metabolic processes by nutritional factors in chicken

Abstract

The promotion and maintenance of metabolic health with optimal feed utilization is of special importance in the broiler industry to ensure intensive and economic growth and simultaneously to improve animal welfare, as these aspects determine the quality and quantity of the endproducts. The restricted application of antibiotics and hormones in the European Union turned the scientific and public interest towards the growth promoting beneficial effects of alternative feed additives, especially the most commonly used short-chain fatty acid n-butyric acid or its anion form n-butyrate (in the followings butyrate) in order to reach the above mentioned goals.