Creating nature identical betaine

Selko Feed Additives developed a new premium betaine, sold globally by the name ^TNIbetain-96-AN. An innovative manufacturing process is being used to create a nature identical product. Betaine is well known for its beneficial effects on osmoregulation and growth performance. In practice the beneficial effects of betaine are proven in multiple species. Repeatedly, betaine shows an increase in feeding efficiency and a better carcass quality related to leaner meat. The product is an osmoprotectant, it increases the water retention capacity of tissues, including the gastro-intestinal tract and muscles. The betaine balances water equilibrium in cells, protecting against dehydration and the negative effects of high ambient temperatures. Furthermore, the product is an effective methyl donor, an essential building block for methionine and the catabolism of homocysteine and DNA methylation which is especially important, for protein and fat metabolism, and the production of carnitine, creatine and phoshatidycholine. Consequently, methyl groups are vital for the production of milk, eggs and meat, and during embryogenesis.

Benefits in animals

Broilers benefit from betaine under normal growth conditions by improved FCR and carcass yield. Under stressful conditions like coccidiosis or heat stress, betaine clearly is advantageous to use. After a coccidiosis challenge the intestinal cells of the betaine fed group recovered better. ^TNIbetain-96-AN effects the movement of water and stabilises and protects intestinal epithelium during diarrhoea and digestive problems. Besides, betaine creates more efficient water balance in cells reducing energy expenditure in cell metabolism. Feeding betaine will positively affect breast meat yield and increase the breast meat per broiler (Table 1). Sows supplemented with betaine may increase the number of weaned piglets per sow; significantly decrease the FCR and the estrus interval. It also reduces the energy requirements in fattening pigs. Table 2 shows the effects of feeding betaine in sows.

Nature identical betaine to the test

The hygroscopic characteristics of the product are similar to natural betaine. The unique technology produces a highly concentrated and dry product with ideal handling features.

The reduced hygroscopic nature makes it more beneficial for use in premixes compared to other betaine sources or choline chloride. The Selko laboratory analyses each product batch on hygroscopicity and particle size. The analyses showed that the product had a similar hygroscopicity to natural betaine.

The product was exposed over a period of 10 days to 30% humidity and an environmental temperature of 22°C. The sieve analysis showed that ^TNIbetain-96-AN has similar sized crystals as natural betaine. ^TNIbetain-96-AN, crystal uniformity is the result of the unique pelletising technology. In Figure 1 the average results of multiple batches show constant particle size between 180 to 1000µm and low dust content. Consequently the product has excellent flow properties.

The overall handling and flow features are comparable to natural anhydrous betaine. The product is pH neutral and non-irritating. It hardly affects vitamin stability in premixes and therefore it is a good substitute for choline chloride or other betaine products.

AllAboutFeed Volume 21 issue 9