Poultry Studies
2021, Vol 18, Num, 2 (Pages: 016-022)
Effects of Betaine Supplementation to Broiler Diets Under Heat Stress
Yusuf Konca 1 ,Selma Büyükkılıç Beyzi 1
1 Erciyes University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Melikgazi, Kayseri, 38039, Turkey
DOI :
10.34233/jpr.1059735
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Betaine is an osmoregulatory substance obtained from some natural plant materials
such as sugar beet, regulating intracellular biochemical events by attracting water.
Due to this important function of betaine in water balance, it may play an important
role in maintaining the body water balance of birds under heat stress. On the other
hand, since betaine is a good methyl donor, some essential nutrients such as
methionine and choline can be saved in the diet, or they can serve as complementary
substances in the deficiency of these nutrients. Previous studies have shown that the
addition of betaine can make significant contributions to the nutrition of broiler
chickens in heat stress situations. The effects that may occur, especially when the body
needs methyl groups, may be more pronounced. Dietary betaine supplementation
increases live weight gain and breast muscle efficiency, improves feed efficiency and
reduces fat content in broilers. The osmoregulatory function of betaine, immune
system disorders, low immune strength, reducing respiratory alkalosis, oxidative
stress and intestinal microbiome changes caused by heat stress. In this study, some
evaluations were made in terms of the use of betaine in broiler diets to meet the
performance and physiological needs of animals.
Keywords :
Betain Broiler Performance Osmoregulator Methyl donor