Lakhasly

Dietary fortification with increasing doses of betaine (2.5 g/kg diet) instead of antibiotics enhanced growth performance of broilers raised under summer conditions with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.Dietary betaine altered the total protein concentrations, it increased globulins especially, ?1-, ?2- and ?-globulins along with a marked reduction in albumen/globulin ratio.

Dietary fortification with increasing doses of betaine (2.5 g/kg diet) instead of antibiotics enhanced growth performance of broilers raised under summer conditions with prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The improved growth performance was associated with enhanced feed efficiency confirmed by significant reduction in the FCR. Betaine supplementation alleviated the challenges of the summer-linked high temperatures by increasing the activities of SOD and CAT and reducing lipid peroxidation ascertained by less MDA concentrations. Dietary betaine altered the total protein concentrations, it increased globulins especially, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins along with a marked reduction in albumen/globulin ratio. Dietary betaine also augmented immunoglobulin levels particularly, IgM with an obvious increase in the bursa relative weight. The improved growth, antioxidant and immunity of broilers in response to increasing betaine dietary supplementation levels were correlated with healthier lipid profiles, manifested by marked reductions in the serum levels of TG, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and VLDL. Collectively, betaine dietary fortification at higher level (2.5 g/kg diet) could be an effective alternative to antibiotics in broilers’ diets