Effects of betaine and condensed molasses solubles on nitrogen balance and nutrient digestibility in piglets fed diets deficient in methionine and low in compatible osmolytes

Abstract

A balance experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of betaine monohydrate (BET) or betaine derived from condensed molasses solubles (CMS) as a substitute for methionine and choline on nitrogen (N) balance and total tract nutrient digestibility in weaned piglets. The experiment included four treatments with 32 barrows with an average initial body weight (BW) of 13.5 kg. The supplementation of DL-methionine and choline (positive control = PC) to the basal diet, which was deficient in methionine and low in compatible osmolytes in the form of betaine or its precursor choline (negative control = NC) resulted in a significant increase in N retention of 0.8 g/d. The substitution of DL-methionine and choline with BET or CMS did not affect N retention compared to the PC and the NC treatment either. Feeding the PC diet increased the digestibilities of organic matter, NDF, ADF, NFE, crude ash, Ca, P, methionine, tryptophan and cystine by 1.9%, 7.3%, 9.7%, 1.1%, 6.3%, 13.9%, 7.7%, 15.9%, 4.3% and 2.8%, respectively, and tended (p < 0.20) to increase the digestibilities of most other amino acids by 1.6-3.4%. Digestibility of CP, EE (HCl), Mg and Na was 3.1% (p=0.09), 5.1% (p=0.09), 5.1% (p= 0.06) and 3.3% (p= 0.17) higher, respectively, when compared to the NC treatment. BET and CMS supplementation increased most nutrient digestibilities in the same magnitude as for the PC treatment. In summary, the supplementation of betaine, originating from different sources, to a diet with low contents of compatible osmolytes increased in particular the fermentation of fibre and enhanced mineral absorption. The supplementation of the NC with DL-methionine was more efficient in improving N retention than the replacement of DL-methionine by betaine originating from BET or CMS.

Effect of Betaine on Ileal and Total Tract Digestibilities and Concentrations of Bacterial Metabolites in Piglets

“…Since pigs in general lack fiber degrading enzymes, these results indicate that betaine has the potential t o stimulate bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber in the gastrointestinal tract. It has been suggested that intestinal bacteria may have a requirement for compatible osmolytes such as betaine (Eklund et al, 2005;2006a;b). I n accordance w i t h a trend towards increased CF digestibility, supplementation of betaine to the assay diet increased ileal SCFA concentrations by 77.6 mmolkg DM compared with the control treatment (P<0.05), indicating intensified bacterial activity in the small intestine.…”

“…Similarly, supplementation of betaine originating from condensed molasses solubles and betaine monohydrate, included at a level of 2.5 g or 3.0 g per kg diet, increased ileal and (or) t o t a l tract NDF and ADF digestibilities (Eklund et al, 2006a;b). Since pigs in general lack fiber degrading enzymes, these results indicate that betaine has the potential t o stimulate bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber in the gastrointestinal tract.…”

“…Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that dietary betaine supplementation alters the composition of the bacterial community in the gastrointestinal tract Of piglets (Eklund et al , 2006a;b; *Corresponding author E-mail: rhmosent@uni-hohenheim.de 185 Ratriyanto et al, 2007a). However, there is still a scarcity of information on bacterial fermentation of nutrients as affected by betaine supplementation.…”

“…Only few studies have been performed with the focus on potential effects of betaine on nutrient digestibility, although dietary betaine supplementation has recently been shown to increase the digestibility of fiber and protein in piglets (Eklund et al, 2006a;b;Ratriyanto et al, 2007a;b). Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that dietary betaine supplementation alters the composition of the bacterial community in the gastrointestinal tract Of piglets (Eklund et al , 2006a;b; *Corresponding author E-mail: rhmosent@uni-hohenheim.de 185 Ratriyanto et al, 2007a).…”

“…Since both intestinal cells and intestinal bacteria have to cope with varying osmotic conditions along the digestive tract, dietary betaine supplementation may aid intestinal cells a s well a s intestinal bacteria t o compensate for this variation and thus, betaine may have a potential in improving nutrient digestibility (Eklund et al, 2005;2006a;b).…”