Effect of betaine, a methyl group donor, on broiler chicken growth performance, breast muscle quality characteristics, oxidative status and amino acid content

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of feed supplemented with betaine on broiler chickens' growth and slaughter performance, breast muscle histomorphometric and physicochemical properties, oxidative status and amino acid content. A total of 1000 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into four treatments. Control group chickens were fed with standard compound diet (SCD), the chickens from experimental groups B1, B2 and B3 receiving SCD supplemented with 1 g/kg (B1), 2 g/kg (B2) and 3 g/kg (B3) betaine anhydrous, respectively. Each treatment had five replicate pens. Feeding test results showed that betaine reduced broilers' mortality but increased feed conversion ratio (p < .05). Forty broiler chickens (5 weeks old) were slaughtered and slaughter performance showed that 2 g/kg betaine inclusion improved breast muscle percentage and yield (p < .05). Betaine dosage of 1 g/kg into feed increased breast muscle fibre areas (p < .05). Betaine affected some physicochemical properties: higher a à and the highest drip loss in B2; the highest cooking losses in B1, B2; the highest shear force and fat content in SCD; the highest amounts of ashes in B1, B2 (p < .05). Lower malondialdehyde levels were observed in all betaine-treated groups (p < .05), except B1 fresh meat samples. The highest total amino acid content and a greater amount of essential amino acids were obtained in SCD breast muscles (p < .05), except equally highest amounts of methionine were found in both SCD and B3 samples (p < .05). However, according to our study results, betaine, as a methyl group donor, in broiler chicken diets cannot replace methionine as an essential amino acid. HIGHLIGHTS Betaine is known as functional nutrient in poultry nutrition, which can fulfil the function of a methyl donor. Betaine in animal feed is saving feed costs by replacing choline chloride and methionine.

Effect of methyl donors supplementation on performance, immune responses and anti-oxidant variables in broiler chicken fed diet without supplemental methionine

“…Similar to the current findings, the above authors [3637] reported reduced oxidative stress with Bet supplementation in broilers fed the low-Met diet. Reduction in breast muscle oxidative process with Bet supplementation is one of the mechanisms of reduced LP in the serum of broilers fed MD supplemented diets [2728]. Similar to the current findings, significant reduction in LP was reported with Bet supplementation in broiler diet [9,2728].…”

“…Similarly, the albumin concentration in all the MD supplemented groups improved similar to those fed the CD. Similar to these observations, improvement in FEwas observed with supplementation of Bet [8,2728] or FA [2829] to diet containing sub-optimal concentrations of Met.…”

“…Reduction in breast muscle oxidative process with Bet supplementation is one of the mechanisms of reduced LP in the serum of broilers fed MD supplemented diets [2728]. Similar to the current findings, significant reduction in LP was reported with Bet supplementation in broiler diet [9,2728]. Among the MD, FA did not affect the LP or the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes, which is contrary to the findings of Sahin et al [3738], who observed significant reduction in the serum and tissue MDA (LP) and other stress indices (homocysteine and ACTH) in heat stressed Japanese quails with FA supplementation (1 mg/kg) in diet.…”

Serum Metabolic Profiling of Late-Pregnant Women With Antenatal Depressive Symptoms

“…Choline was also a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, PC, and betaine, involved in several critical physiological functions ( 52 ), such as modulation of gene expression, synaptic plasticity, and cholinergic signaling ( 50 , 51 ). Betaine is a direct methyl donor, which can be obtained from diet or transformed from choline ( 53 ). A recent study revealed that the concentrations of choline and betaine were significantly positive and a trending positive correlation with depression scores (EPDS), respectively ( 54 ), and betaine was associated with the severity of depression of psychiatric patients, who were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder ( 55 ).…”

Influence of feed additive on the biological value of broiler chickens’ white meat protein in technological stress conditions

“…When using the preparation of succinic acid on broiler chickens, an increase in the essential amino acids content in the muscular tissue proteins of experimental groups' chicks in relation to control indicators was observed [17]. Supplements of betaine in the broiler chickens' diet affected the increase in the essential amino acids content in meat [18]. Carnitine introduction to the diet protects branched chain amino acid against oxidation in tissues [19].…”