Dietary betaine reduces plasma homocysteine concentrations and improves bone strength in laying hens

Maisarah Mohamad Maidin, Heather McCormack, Pete Wilson, Sarah Caughey, Natasha Whenham, Ian Dunn

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Abstract / Description of output

Abstract 1. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that betaine’s methyl-donor properties would reduce homocysteine concentrations, which was recognised in a previous genetics study to be linked to bone quality, and improve bone quality. This was combined with phytase treatment, as phosphorus is critical for bone mineralisation. 2. Using a 2 X 2 arrangement, a total of 1920 Lohmann LSL-lite chickens in 24 replicates of 20 chickens were fed one of 4 diets containing dietary betaine (0 or 1000 mg/kg) and phytase (300 or 1000 FTU/kg) from one day old until end-of-lay. Blood and bone samples were collected at 45 and 70 weeks of age. 3. Hens that were fed betaine had lower plasma homocysteine level (P < 0.05), higher tibia breaking strength (P < 0.05), and higher tibia density (P < 0.05). 4. Egg production and egg quality were excellent throughout the study and were not affected by the dietary treatments. 5. In summary, the addition of dietary betaine was successful at reducing plasma homocysteine concentrations and improving bone strength in laying hens which could be used as an intervention to alleviate welfare concerns.
Original languageEnglish
JournalBritish Poultry Science
Early online date5 Feb 2021
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 5 Feb 2021

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