Effects of Sodium Butyrate and Lysophospholipid Supplementation during the Transition Period on Performance of Ile-de-France Ewes

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) and lysophospholipid (LPL), alone or combined, on performance and blood metabolites of Ile-de-France ewes during transition period. Sixty close-up pregnant Ile-de-France ewes (body weight=65±5 kg) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial experi-ment in a completely randomized design from 21 pre-partum to 21 days post-partum (n=15). Experimental treatments were: 1) control (without additives); 2) 0.5 g SB/kg BW/day; 3) 1 g LPL/head/day; or 4) SB + LPL. Results of present study showed that although SB or LPL alone had no significant impact on dry mat-ter intake (DMI) compared to the control, their combination increased DMI (P<0.05) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility (44.36% vs. 37.31%; P<0.05). Ewe body weight changes, colostrum brix value, and postpartum body temperature remained unaffected by SB and LPL supplementation. Serum analysis indicated SB elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), while LPL in-creased malondialdehyde (MDA), albumin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0.05). The SB + LPL group exhibited reduced glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity (P<0.05). These results demonstrate that SB and LPL synergistically enhance feed intake and fiber digestion, potentially alleviating energy deficits in transition ewes. However, divergent effects on oxidative stress and lipid metabolism underscore the need for tailored supplementation protocols. Further studies should explore long-term impacts on metabolic resil-ience and offspring development.