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BetaineBetaine (trimethylglycine) is a natural extract of sugar beet and is used as a feed ingredient in pig, poultry and aqua. Main function of betaine is as a "methyl group donor" in chemical reactions that convert homocysteine to the essential amino acid methionine. Thus, betaine can spare some dietary methionine while replacing choline as a methyl donor in animals. Adequate choline and methionine must be provided for optimal performance in producing animals. The use of betaine, to replace some or all of the added choline and some of the added methionine in pig and poultry feeds, can reduce feed costs. Another function of betaine is as an osmolyte. The betaine protects the animal or fish from osmotic shock and dehydration by accumulating in cells/tissues and attracting water into the cells/tissues. This helps the animal or fish to conserve energy and use some of this energy for growth. Betaine also improves the intestinal lining and protects digestive disorders in broilers and turkeys, resulting in the greater absorption of nutrients giving enhanced animal performance.
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