BLOGS > TRIBUTYRIN FOR LAYING HENS: SUPPORT EGG PRODUCTION

Laying hen on a nest in the grass with white eggs and some blue shaddow as graphic detail to the branding of Olus

TRIBUTYRIN FOR LAYING HENS: SUPPORT EGG PRODUCTION

14/08/2025 Poultry

Ever wondered how poultry farmers help laying hens perform well and produce high-quality eggs consistently? One of the exciting tools in modern poultry nutrition is Olus®C4, a tributyrin-based feed additive. Tributyrin might sound complex, but its role in poultry diets makes it clear why it’s used to support laying hens.

Muhammad spends much of his time on poultry farms. He talks to farmers, works with nutritionists, and sees what works in the field. With this hands-on perspective, he follows closely how feeding strategies influence laying hens over time. Today, he explains what tributyrin is, how it’s used in poultry feed, and why he believes Olus®C4 is worth considering in a laying hen nutrition programme. 

WHAT IS TRIBUTYRIN AND WHY IT’S USED IN POULTRY FEED

Understanding butyric acid

Think of tributyrin as a supercharged source of butyric acid, a short-chain fatty acid. It is naturally produced in the gut of poultry and other animals. This important energy source nourishes the cells lining the intestines, helping to maintain gut barrier function.

Why tributyrin is different

Tributyrin is three molecules of butyric acid attached to a glycerol backbone. This structure makes tributyrin:

  • More stable during feed processing and storage
  • Better able to deliver butyric acid to the hen’s lower gut, where it’s needed most and can be released to utilize

Unprotected butyric acid is quickly absorbed in the upper gut. Tributyrin offers a practical, protected form that delivers butyric acid consistently where it’s needed most.

 

HOW OLUS®C4 SUPPORTS LAYING HENS

A well-functioning gut is foundational for maintaining performance and egg quality. Olus®C4 can support this in several ways:

  1. Support gut health and nutrient absorption: Olus®C4 provides butyric acid to fuel intestinal cells and support gut-barrier integrity. This may reduce the risk of harmful bacteria entering the bloodstream. A stronger gut also means the hen can absorb nutrients more efficiently. This leads to better overall health and more energy for producing eggs. (Programme outcomes depend on diet and management.)
  1. Enhanced egg production and quality: With better nutrient absorption and a healthier gut, hens can have the resources they need to lay more eggs. Research in poultry nutrition with tributyrin, have shown that supplementing with Olus®C4 can lead to:
    • Higher egg-laying rates: Hens lay more frequently.
    • Improved eggshell quality: The shells are stronger and less prone to breaking.
    • Larger egg size: Hens can produce bigger eggs.
  1. Reduces stress and inflammation: Olus®C4 has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the laying hens gut. This is especially important for hens that may experience stress from their environment or changes in diet. By keeping inflammation in check, Olus®C4 helps maintain a calm and healthy digestive system.
A series of three bar graphs comparing a control group to a group fed "Tributyrin 500". The first graph, "Egg production (% hen-d)", shows the control group at slightly under 75% and the Tributyrin group at slightly over 75%. The second graph, "Egg shell thickness (µ)", shows the control group at slightly over 300 µ and the Tributyrin group at slightly under 350 µ. The third graph, "FCR (body weight g)", shows the control group at about 2.5 g and the Tributyrin group at about 2.25 g.
Sources: 1. Sakdee J. et al. / Thai J Vet Med. 2018. 48(2): 247-256 (Egg Shell Thickness) 2. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021, VOL. 20, NO. 1, 1452–1461 https://doi.org/10.1080/1828051X.2021.1960209 (Egg Production and FCR)

 

MINERAL ABSORPTION AND EGGSHELL STRENGTH

Calcium and phosphorus are essential for eggshells. Older hens absorb less of these minerals, leading to thinner shells.

By improving the overall gut environment, Olus®C4 can help hens absorb and use minerals more effectively. With better mineral availablity hens can deposit more onto the eggshell. The result? Thicker and stronger eggshells that are less prone to cracking and breaking. This can be especilally valuable for older hens, whose eggshell quality naturally declines over time. Layer trials and reviews support this mechanism. Animal Health Research Reviews , Volume 23 , Issue 2 (2022) 

 

RECOMMENDED DOSAGES

Based on different recent trials, this product works best at:

  • 250-500 g/t of feed

Consult your nutritionist for fit within the total ration.

PACKAGING

  • 20 kg bag
  • 1,000 kg big bag

5 eggs with in each egg a text with the improvements of Elan C4, with tributyrin, in laying hens

 

IMPROVE YOUR FEED STRATEGIE TODAY

Contact Muhammad for personalized guidance on integrating Olus®C4 into your poultry feed programme.

 

A photo of a smiling Pakistan male sales manager with dark hair, wearing a black blouse with the logo of Olus. Standing before a sustainable green moss wall.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Muhammad Suleman – Regional Manager | South East Asia and Middle East 

Muhammad Suleman joined Olus in 2023. He brings a wealth of experience and a strong passion for the poultry industry. With years of experience and extensive knowledge of the complexities in poultry farming, he understand the market inside out.

At Olus, Muhammed is involved in developing new feed additives and exploring nutritional strategies. His focus is clear: improve gut health and performance in a sustainable way.

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