Betaine during lactation benefits sow and piglet performance

Spanish research suggests that the use of supplemental betaine can improve sow feed intake, reduce the weaning-to-estrus interval, increase the numbers of piglets born alive and weaned piglets per litter in the subsequent parity


by JANICE MURPHY

Betaine is a byproduct of molasses production from sugar beets. It has been used as a nutritional supplement in finishing diets to improve performance after research showed that it can increase carcass leanness and improve feed efficiency. While research has focused mainly on betaine’s use in finishers, there is limited information on its effects on reproductive performance in sows.

Better Pork - December 2011