Comparing effects of natural betaine and betaine hydrochloride on gut physiology in broiler chickens.

Betaine is a well-known component of poultry diets with various effects on nutritional physiology. For example, increased water retention due to the osmolytic effect of betaine increases the volume of the cell, thereby accelerating the anabolic activity, integrity of cell membrane, and overall performance of the bird. Betaine is a multifunctional component (trimethyl derivative) acting as the most efficient methyl group donor and as an organic osmolyte, which can directly influence the gastrointestinal tract integrity, functionality, and health.

Betaine addition as a potent ruminal fermentation modulator under hyperthermal and hyperosmotic conditions in vitro.

Background: Climatic and dietary shifts predispose ruminal microbes to hyperthermal and hyperosmotic stress, leading to poor fermentation and subsequently adverse effects on ruminant productivity. Betaine may function as substrate, osmolyte, antioxidant, and methyl donor for microbes. However, its effect depends on the extent of microbial catabolism.