Effects of Betaine on Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Nutrient Utilization and Gut Health in Coccidia-Infected Broilers.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of betaine on the performance, blood biochemistry, intestinal lesion score and nutrient utilization of broiler chickens exposed to coccidian challenge. A total of 600 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 708) were randomly assigned to five groups (six replicates). The negative control group (NC) remained unchallenged and received non-supplemented feed, while the positive control group (PC) received non-supplemented feed and was challenged with oocysts. The other three groups (B2, B4 and B6) were challenged with oocysts and received feed supplemented with 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg betaine, respectively. Results indicated a significant decrease in growth performance, nutrient digestibility and altered blood lipid profiles in the PC group, with the most significant restoration observed in the B6 group. Caecal lesion scores were also notably restored in the B4 and B6 groups among the infected broilers. In conclusion, betaine supplementation at a rate of 600 mg/kg demonstrated improvements in growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemistry and caecal lesion scores in broilers experimentally exposed to coccidiosis. However, the findings cannot be considered 100% conclusive, as variations in breed, management practices and infection severity may influence outcomes. The major limitation of this study is that it was conducted under controlled experimental conditions, which may not fully reflect field circumstances. Future research should explore different genetic strains, longer trial durations and combinations of betaine with other anticoccidial alternatives to better validate and extend these results.