Sodium butyrate is an organic compound with the molecular formula C4H7O2Na and a molecular weight of 110.0869. The appearance is white or almost white powder, with a special cheesy rancid odor and hygroscopic properties. The density is 0.96 g/mL (25/4 ℃), the melting point is 250-253 ℃, and it is easily soluble in water and ethanol.

Sodium butyrate, as a deacetylase inhibitor, can increase the level of histone acetylation. Research has found that sodium butyrate can inhibit tumor cell proliferation, promote tumor cell aging and apoptosis, which may be related to the increase of histone acetylation by sodium butyrate. And sodium butyrate has been applied in clinical research on tumors. Can be widely used for adding animal feed.

1. Maintain beneficial microbial communities in the gastrointestinal tract. Butyric acid inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria through cell membranes, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, and maintains a positive balance in the gastrointestinal microbiota;
2. Provide fast energy sources for intestinal cells. Butyric acid is the preferred energy of intestinal cells, and sodium butyrate is absorbed in the intestinal cavity. Through oxidation, it can quickly provide energy to intestinal epithelial cells;
3. Promote the proliferation and maturation of gastrointestinal cells. The digestive tract of juvenile animals is incomplete, with immature development of small intestinal villi and crypts, and insufficient secretion of digestive enzymes, resulting in poor nutrient absorption ability of juvenile animals. Experiments have shown that sodium butyrate is an activator that enhances intestinal villus proliferation and crypt deepening, and can expand the absorption area of the large intestine;
4. The impact on animal production performance. Sodium butyrate can increase feed intake, feed yield, and daily weight gain. Enhance animal health levels. Reduce diarrhea and mortality rate;
5. Promote non-specific and specific immune system functions;
6. The special odor has a strong attractant effect on young pigs and can be used as a food attractant; Can be added to various types of feed to increase daily weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion rate, and improve economic benefits; 
7. Reduce the release of intracellular Ca2+. Inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC) and inducing cell apoptosis;
8. Promote the development of intestinal mucosa, repair mucosal epithelial cells, and activate lymphocytes;
9. Reduce post weaning diarrhea in piglets, overcome weaning stress, and improve piglet survival rate.