Betafin® improves performance of heat-stressed broilers

Natural betaine has two roles in nutrition.  As an osmoregulator it can protect cell enzyme systems and membranes from ionic inactivation during stress. As a methyl donor via transmethylation, it is more effective than other potential methyl group donors such as methionine and choline. Natural betaine benefits parameters such as bodyweight gain, feed utilisation and costs, carcass lean deposition and litter size with effects magnified at times of production stress (e.g. heat stress, coccidiosis challenge). Betafin® at 1.5 kg/tonne feed improved bodyweight gain by 1% and FCR by 13 points (6%) in broilers exposed to ambient temperatures of 25°C to 35°C