Microencapsulated sodium butyrate on the intestinal integrity of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp.

•In the period 0–21 days, the treatments receiving microencapsulated sodium butyrate or antibiotic presented greater cellular turnover of the intestinal mucosa.•In the period 22–42 days, the treatments with inclusion of 1,500 mg/kg and 2,000 mg/kg microencapsulated sodium butyrate and PC showed lower cell turnover of the intestinal mucosa, indicating that MSB was able to protect the intestinal mucosa.•The performance, intestinal morphometry and intestinal goblet cell count at 21 and 42 days of age, no significant differences were observed.•The use of additives implies considering the challenge imposed on birds to understand their performance.