Yusuf Konca  , Figen Kirkpinar  , Selim Mert  , Erdal Yaylak  , 
    Effects of Betaine on Performance, Carcass, Bone and Blood Characteristics of Broilers During Natural Summer Temperatures,
    Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances,
    Volume 7,Issue 8,
    2008,
    Pages 930-937,
    ISSN 1680-5593,
    javaa.2008.930.937,
    (https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=javaa.2008.930.937)
    Abstract: This experiment was conducted to determine the dietary supplementations of betaine on performance carcass, bone and blood traits of broilers in natural summer condition. A total of 180 broilers were divided into three experimental groups. The experimental diets were; Control, without any dietary addition, dietary supplemental betaine (Betafin&reg;) 1 g kg <SUP>1</SUP> and (3) 2 g kg <SUP>1</SUP>. The experimental diets were offered to respective broiler chicks for 6 weeks. Additional betaine decreased body weight at 6 weeks and body weight gain 3-6 and 0 to weeks (p&lt;0.01). Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by treatments (p&lt;0.05). Dietary betaine supplementation did not affect carcass weight and composition, breast and thigh meat pigmentation and pH value of thigh the broilers. Tibia width was decreased by 1 g kg <SUP>1</SUP> betaine (p&lt;0.05), but shank and tibia measurements were not affected by betaine. Serum alanin aminotransferase levels were reduced by both 1 and 2 g kg <SUP>1</SUP> supplementation of betaine (p&lt;0.05), but other blood constituents were not affected.
    Keywords: Broiler;betaine;performance;carcass;bone;blood traits