Betaine supplementation for finishing cattle

Authors

C.A. Löest
C.M. Coetzer
R.D. Hunter
B.D. Lambert
Evan C. Titgemeyer
James S. Drouillard

Keywords

Cattlemen's Day, 2000; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 00-287-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 850; Beef; Betaine; Heifers; Performance; Carcass

Abstract

Crossbred heifers (756 lb) were used to evaluate the effects of feed-grade betaine on animal performance and carcass characteristics. Heifers had ad libitum access to a finishing diet without betaine or with 4, 8, or 12 g/day of feed-grade betaine top-dressed at feeding. Feed intakes, gains, and feed efficiencies were not significantly altered by feed-grade betaine. Hot carcass weights tended to increase with the betaine supplementation, but dressing percent; percentage of kidney, pelvic and heart fat; fat thickness; or ribeye area were not altered. Yield grades were numerically greater, and marbling scores significantly greater for heifers supplemented with 4 or 12 g/day of betaine. These results demonstrate that supplementation of feed-grade betaine may have minor effects on performance and carcass characteristics.

Recommended Citation

Löest, C.A.; Coetzer, C.M.; Hunter, R.D.; Lambert, B.D.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; and Drouillard, James S. (2000) "Betaine supplementation for finishing cattle," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1793