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betaine hydrochloride on broiler chickens

Betaine HCL Improves Carcass Yield in Broilers

Published: November 12, 2012
By: David Creswell (Creswell Nutrition, Australia)
Betaine hydrochloride (HCl) was fed in diets which were reduced in methionine, choline and energy (oil) in three replicated broiler trials. The PC (Positive Control) was a high specification corn- soybean meal diet. Levels of standardised ileal digestible (SID) lysine and methionine+cysteine were 1.20 and 0.84% in the starter (1-18 days) and 1.10 and 0.803% respectively in the grower (17-38 days). ME levels were in the range of 12.55-12.97 MJ/kg. The NC (Negative Control) was as PC with removal of 1.05 kg/t dl methionine, all added choline and 10 kg/t oil (0.209 MJ/kg). These modifications were achieved by a least cost formulation with lower levels of digestible methionine, digestible m+c, choline and ME. Betaine HCl was added to the NC in amounts of 1-2.5 kg/t. The NC plus betaine HCl diets were about $10/t lower cost than the PC and gave live performance equal to or slightly better than the PC. Measurements of carcass yield were taken and are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Effect of betaine HCl on carcass yield (%) in three trials
Betaine HCL Improves Carcass Yield in Broilers - Image 1
A consistent finding in the 3 trials was reduced carcass yield in the NC, and then followed by improved carcass yield with added betaine HCl. The clearest effect was seen in Trial 3 which used Ross 308 strain (Figure 1). In all trials, carcass yield with the highest level of added betaine HCl was higher than in the PC. The reduced carcass yield in the NC would be due to a nutrient deficient diet giving a heavier viscera (Neoh and Ng, 2004). Addition of betaine HCl produced a lighter viscera. The osmolyte effect of betaine HCl allows for maintenance of ion and water balance in cells at a lower energy cost, reducing the energy cost of maintaining the digestive tract, leading to a lighter intestinal tract.
Figure 1. Effect of betaine HCl on carcass yield (%)
Betaine HCL Improves Carcass Yield in Broilers - Image 2
In summary, betaine HCl appears to be an economic way of improving carcass yield.
Neoh SB, Ng LE (2004) Proc. of Aust. Poult. Science Symp. 16, 75.
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Rafael Duran
IFF - International Flavors & Fragrances
12 de junio de 2013
Interesting paper Mr.Creswell but a few comments: i) out of three trials, in only one of them the NC gave significant lower yield, ii) I am surprised to see the huge differences in yield resulst comparing trial 1 and 2 using same bird, iii) Nothing is mentioned about thermal conditions, could it be there was excess heat during trials?, that could also explain improved results with higher level of betaine especially in trial 3?, iv) not clear to me looking at your summary which were the levels of HCl betaine tested. Many thanks and regards from Madrid, Rafa.
Dr.sohan Hada
17 de julio de 2013
THAT IS TRUE BUT ONE HAS TO CONSIDER THE FCR AND QUALITY OF CARCASS ALSO.
Dr Muhammad Ayaz
17 de junio de 2013
Do agree. the product do possess the merit. It is around in practice in Pakistan at farm level bu still not accepted by feed millers. I donot know why?
Elkadili
10 de junio de 2013
very interesting paper on Betaine,especially within the context of the research of alternative products to replace antibiotics.
Vijaykumar Matham
10 de junio de 2013
Have done any biochemical,Heamatological and antioxidant parameters and you have not focuseed on FCR
Dwipen Bhagawati
Anthem Cellutions Pvt Ltd
10 de junio de 2013
Very good airticle on Betaine HCL.
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