Short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),known as volatile fatty acids,are organic fatty acids containing 1to 6 carbon atoms. In vivo,SCFAs have many important biological functions such as providing energy,improving intestinal function,and regulating immune response and intestinal flora balance. SCFAs have good potential as new animal feed additives. In this paper,the production of SCFAs in animals and the affecting factors are systematically reviewed,and the regulatory mechanism of SCFAs in host intestinal immune response and their application in livestock and poultry production are discussed. It provi...
