Broiler nutrition is a vital part of which betaine is an essential ingredient. Sugar beet has been the main source of betaine anhydrous. It is easily available throughout the year and has a production capacity that is independent of sugar beet production. You can also look for the most cost-effective betaine source via https://www.feedworks.com.au/betafin-comparing-natural-to-synthetic/.
Absorption, metabolism
Studies on humans showed that serum levels rose rapidly after food intake, and there was a significant increase in serum concentrations within the first hour. Betaine is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), while up to 3/4 can be retained at the intracellular level of GIT. Intracellular accumulation can be achieved via passive (Na+, Cl-), or active (Na+/Cl-) transport systems.
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Betaine is a methyl donor and participates in methionine cycling. It can also be used in transmethylation reactions to synthesize essential substances such as carnitine or creatine. Betaine can also be found in the liver, kidney, heart, and gut. This is to help protect and improve human athletes' performance.
The lipogenic capacity is another important aspect of poultry and swine diets that include betaine. This ability reduces abdominal fat and prevents fat accumulation in the liver. Fat accumulation in modern laying chickens is a global problem that can lead to fatty liver syndrome, lower egg production, and poor quality.
Choline supplementation may decrease carnitine production due to the competition for betaine aldehyde hydrogenase. Therefore, betaine supplementation might be more beneficial than choline.