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.

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

How to Cite:

Löest, C., Coetzer, C., Hunter, R., Lambert, B., Titgemeyer, E. C. & Drouillard, J. S., (2000) “Betaine supplementation for finishing cattle”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(1), 40-42. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1793