1.1 Sources of betaine
Betaine is widely present in animals and plants. Betaine is one of the plants with the highest betaine content, and the molasses it contains is the main source of betaine. The molecular formula of betaine is C5H11NO2, the molecular weight is 117.15, and its scientific name is trimethylglycine.
1.2 Physical and chemical properties of betaine
Betaine is a neutral substance with good hygroscopicity, strong antioxidant properties, and a high melting point of 301°C to 305°C. It tastes sweet and slightly bitter. It is easily soluble in water and ethanol, but insoluble in other organic solvents. Betaine has three methyl groups and is a ring structure in alkaline aqueous solutions and an open ring structure in acidic solutions.
2.1 Provide methyl groups required for animal metabolism
Methyl groups are essential nutrients for animals. Humans and animals cannot synthesize methyl groups and need to be provided by food. Methylation reactions are widely involved in important metabolic processes in the body, including DNA synthesis, creatine and creatinine synthesis, etc. Betaine can also provide methyl groups, so it can partially replace the methyl supply function of methionine in the body.
2.2 Participate in the metabolism of amino acids and proteins.
Betaine is closely related to the metabolism of methionine. It helps to reduce choline oxidation, promote the body to convert homocysteine into methionine, and increase the utilization rate of methionine for protein synthesis.
3.1 Promote fat metabolism and increase carcass lean meat rate
Related experiments have confirmed that feeding young poultry with betaine can improve meat quality and increase meat production. Studies have shown that the increase in body fat in young poultry fed with betaine is lower than that in young poultry fed with methionine, and the meat production is increased by 3.7%.
3.2 Improving the efficacy of anticoccidial drugs
Research has found that the combination of betaine and ion carrier anticoccidial drugs can significantly reduce the risk of animals being infected with coccidia, thereby improving their growth performance and resistance. Especially for broilers and piglets, adding betaine to their feed can improve their intestinal function, prevent diarrhea, and increase feed intake, which has good practical value.
3.3 Attractants in fishery feed
Betaine is an ideal attractant in aquaculture, which can improve the palatability of artificial feed, and has significant effects in promoting fish growth and improving feed conversion. It plays an important role in increasing fish feed intake, improving feed conversion rate and reducing costs.