IMPACT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF COATED SODIUM BUTYRATE AND/OR POST BIOTIC ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, HEALTH STATUS AND OXIDATIVE BIOMARKERS IN GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS

Canine gut microbiota is crucial in metabolism, immune tolerance and nutrients absorption. The present study aims to determine the impact of dietary supplementation of coated sodium butyrate and/or postbiotics on health performance, antioxidant activity, cholesterol level and calcium level in GSD. In the study, twelve male GSD (Age of six months) were randomly allocated into four dietary treatments as follows1) Control group was fed only the basal diet without any food additive2); BUTR group was fed the basal diet supplemented with coated sodium butyrate 3); POST group was fed the basal diet supplemented with postbiotics 4); MIX group was fed on the basal diet supplemented with mix of postbiotics and coated sodium butyrate. Results of the trial reported that, the average daily gain improved in the MIX group followed by BUTR and POST groups while the lowest gain was recorded in the control group (P=0.02). Body condition scoring (BCS) was enhanced by the food additives used (P=0.02). Blood serum indices showed improving significantly serum calcium level (P=0.02) and lowering total cholesterol level in the MIX and BUTR groups respectively. Malondialdehyde (MDA) tended to decrease in MIX group followed BUTR and POST groups. Fecal scoring was
the best in the MIX group followed by BUTR one. The fecal moisture was significantly
decreased in all treatment groups compared to the control one (P=0.01). In conclusion, coated sodium butyrate and/or postbiotic could be used safely in GSD food to improve gut health reflected on healthy growth and general health condition of dogs