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

A feeding 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. A total of 266, 1-day-old broiler chicks (Vancobb-400) were used in a completely randomized study with 6 replicate pens of 11 birds each. The treatments comprised a positive control (control-; 0.27% Meth. -recommended level), 0.15% betaine (control-plus 0.17% Low Meth.), 0.20% betaine (control-plus 0.17% Low Meth.) and 0.25% betaine (control-plus 0.17% Low Meth.). Results of the study indicate that supplementation of betaine up to the level of 0.25 % in a low Meth. diet has the potential to support growth performance making the cost of feeding more economical. Supplementation of betaine at 0.25 % with low Meth. also function as carcass fat and cholesterol modifier significantly reducing the carcass fat and breast cholesterol content. Betaine supplementation at 0.25% increased serum albumin level indicating its role as a methyl donor. Supplementing diets up to 0.25% betaine reduced serum uric acid concentration, which in turn may reduce its excretion, thereby reducing ammonia emission in poultry houses and nitrogen emission into the environment.