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Can Betaine Replace Supplemental DL-Methionine in Broiler Diets?

Universidade Federal De Vicosa, Departamento de Zootecnia, 36570 Vicosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Phone: 55-31-891-2421; FAX: 55-31-899-2275

M. Pack

Degussa AG, Applied Technology Feed Additives, P. O. Box 1345. D-63403 Hanau, Germany; Phone: 49-6181-59-4356; FAX: 49-6181-59-2192

Correspondence: H. S. Rostagno

This paper reports the results of a growth study with subsequent carcass analysis to investigate the potential of betaine to replace DL-methionine as an essential amino acid supplement in broiler diets. Starter and grower diets were formulated to be deficient in sulfur amino acids, then supplemented with various combinations of DL-methionine and betaine. All diets were supplemented with choline chloride to ensure adequate methyl group supply.

Growth, feed conversion, and breast meat yield were significantly improved by added DL-methionine, but not be betaine. There was no evidence that betaine can reduce the need for supplemental methionine in broiler diets deficient in sulfur amino acids.

Key Words: Betaine • breast meat • broilers • growth • methionine • methyl groups