Tributyrin is made from one molecule of glycerol and three molecules of butyric acid through a three-step chemical reaction process. Tributyrin occurs naturally in animal fats, vegetable oils, dairy products, etc. Industrial applications are mainly in the processing of margarine and as a feed additive. It is used in biotechnology as a substrate for screening and characterization of esterases.

Tributyrin is a short-chain fatty acid ester composed of 4 carbon atoms. It is a colorless, nearly oily liquid with a slight fat flavor. It can pass through the gastrointestinal tract smoothly, and is slowly decomposed into butyric acid, and then reaches the back of the intestine to play the corresponding physiological effects. Studies have reported that triglyceride can promote the growth of intestinal villi, enhance the digestion of nutrients, maintain the balance of intestinal flora, enhance tight junction, promote mucin secretion, improve immunity, and thus improve the production performance of animals. Therefore, adding tributyl in feed has become a nutritional strategy to improve intestinal barrier function and promote animal growth, and has been widely used in animal husbandry.