<abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>One of the well known biological functions of betaine is that of a methyl donor. Therefore, betaine may partly replace choline and methionine in the diet. Another widely documented role of betaine is to restore and maintain the osmotic balance. As an organic osmotic compound, betaine regulates the water balance, thus exerting a stabilizing influence on tissue metabolism, particularly within the digestive tract. As a donor of methyl groups necessary for various reactions in the body, betaine is indirectly involved in lipid metabolism. Due to its metabolic functions, betaine is also believed to play a significant role in energy metabolism in pigs. Of particular note are the results of experiments in which a positive effect of betaine supplementation was observed as the energy content of the diet was decreased.</p></abstract>

One of the well known biological functions of betaine is that of a methyl donor. Therefore, betaine may partly replace choline and methionine in the diet. Another widely documented role of betaine is to restore and maintain the osmotic balance. As an organic osmotic compound, betaine regulates the water balance, thus exerting a stabilizing influence on tissue metabolism, particularly within the digestive tract. As a donor of methyl groups necessary for various reactions in the body, betaine is indirectly involved in lipid metabolism. Due to its metabolic functions, betaine is also believed to play a significant role in energy metabolism in pigs. Of particular note are the results of experiments in which a positive effect of betaine supplementation was observed as the energy content of the diet was decreased.

Effects of Betaine on Energy Utilization in Growing Pigs - A Review

Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Management, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-718 Olsztyn-Kortowo, Poland

Department of Animal Science, Veterinary Academy of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes 18, LT-47181, Kaunas, Lithuania

Annals of Animal Science

{"article-title":"Effects of Betaine on Energy Utilization in Growing Pigs - A Review"}

One of the well known biological functions of betaine is that of a methyl donor. Therefore, betaine may partly replace choline and methionine in the diet....

Effects of Betaine on Energy Utilization in Growing Pigs - A Review

Published Online: Jul 24, 2012

Page range: 291 - 300

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10220-012-0024-4

Keywords
betaine, growing pigs, energy utilization

This content is open access.

Effects of Betaine on Energy Utilization in Growing Pigs - A Review

Published Online: Jul 24, 2012

Page range: 291 - 300

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10220-012-0024-4

Keywordsbetaine, growing pigs, energy utilization

This content is open access.

Keywords
betaine, growing pigs, energy utilization