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Nutritional and osmoregulatory functions of betaine

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2007

M.T. Kidd ,
P.R. Ferket  and
J.D. Garlich
M.T. Kidd*
Affiliation:
Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7608, USA
P.R. Ferket
Affiliation:
Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7608, USA
J.D. Garlich
Affiliation:
Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7608, USA
*
*Nutri-Quest Inc., 1400 Eldbridge Payne Road, Suite 110, Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA.
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Abstract

Betaine, a donor of labile methyl groups, can spare choline and methionine but cannot replace these compounds in poultry diets. Betaine is synthesized from choline by choline oxidase and it can donate methyl groups to homocysteine to form methionine. Physiologically, betaine is one of several compounds used by cells to regulate osmotic pressure. Among the potential benefits of its inclusion in poultry feeds are sparing choline, carcass fat reduction and aiding cell osmoregulation. Some feed ingredients are natural sources of betaine per se. This review considers the metabolism, functions and applications of betaine in poultry.

Keywords

Betainecholinemethionineosmoregulationpoultry
Type
Research Article
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 53 , Issue 2 , June 1997 , pp. 125 - 139
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997

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