Can poultry performance be optimised with betaine-based feed additives?
A group of scientists has discovered that betaine-based feed additives can improve the growth rates of poultry even when feed availability is limited.
“The researchers found that adding betaine to poultry rations helps increase live weight by 5.6%, increase average daily weight gain by 5.7%, and reduce feed conversion by 5.7% even with a reduction in daily feed consumption rates,” said the scientists from Saint Petersburg State University of Medicine and Microbiology, Russia.
Betaine is a functional nutrient commonly used as a feed additive in animal nutrition, mainly as a methyl donor. It is long known as one of the promising tools for lowering feed costs in broilers and laying hens.
‘Intriguing’ results
For the 38-day experiment, the scientists formed 2 groups of 20 grandparent chicks in each group. The control group received a standard diet while in the experimental group, in addition to betaine inclusion, feed availability was also slightly reduced.
One of the study’s objectives was to investigate the impact of restricting feed intake on poultry growth. The results were quite intriguing.
“Restricting feed consumption has had a positive effect on the metabolism of poultry, preventing excessive accumulation of fat in the body, and it also ensures uniform growth of the skeleton and muscle tissue relative to the internal organs,” Alexander Lunegov, a senior researcher, said.
Immune response unexpectedly improved
The scientists also indicate that the improvement of the immune response in the experimental group discovered during the study was an unexpected result. The researchers revealed a reliable increase of 15.3% in the bactericidal activity of blood granulocytes.
“These proteins have a bactericidal effect, disrupting the structure and functions of the membrane of microbial cells. An increase in their activity indicates an improvement in the protective mechanisms of the bird’s body,” said Georgy Ilyin, one of the study authors.
Potential benefits for offspring
Scientists are also optimistic that the improved productivity and physiological indicators of the parent and grandparent flock could potentially enhance the performance parameters of the offspring, a hypothesis that is yet to be proven.
New feeding strategies in development
The researchers plan to develop new strategies for improving the feed conversion ratio based on the obtained results.
“The study is of great practical importance for the poultry industry, especially in the context of the need to increase production profitability and reduce feed costs,” the researchers claimed.
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