Effect of Betaine Partially Replaced with Methionine on Performance and Carcass Quality of Broiler Birds

Abstract

A research trial was conducted to evaluate the methionine-sparing effects of betaine and their effects on growth performance of broiler chickens fed methionine (Meth)-deficient diets. We used 266, 1-day-old broiler chicks (Vancobb-400) in a completely randomized study with 6 replicate pens of 11 birds each. The treatments comprised a positive control (control-; 2.7g/kg Meth. - recommended level), 0.15% betaine (control- plus 1.7g/kg Low Meth.), 0.20%betaine (control- plus 1.7 g/kg Low Meth.) and 0.25% betaine (control- plus 1.7g/kg Low Meth.). Results of the study indicate that supplementation of betaine up to the level of 0.25 per cent in low Meth. based diet has the potential to support growth performance thus making the cost of feeding more economical. Supplementation of betaine at 0.25 per cent with low Meth. also function as carcass fat and cholesterol modifier and significantly reduced the carcass fat and breast cholesterol content. Betaine supplementation at 0.25 per cent increased serum albumin level indicating its role as a methyl donor. Supplementing diets up to 0.25 of betaine reduces the serum uric acid concentration, which in turn may reduce its excretion, thereby reducing ammonia emission in poultry houses and nitrogen emission into the environment. However, the latter needs further investigation.