Effects of Pre-Weaning Supplementation of Betaine Hydrochloride on Weight Gain and Hematological Indices in Piglets

Résumé

This study examined the effects of dietary betaine in its hydrochloride form on the average daily weight gain (ADG) and haematological parameters on postnatal piglets. Three sows were used for this study (n=9 piglets per sow) and they fed their piglets from day 1 to 28. Each group of piglets per sow was replicated three times in a completely randomized design. Each group of piglets was orally administered 0, 0.05 and 0.1g betaine hydrochloride respectively daily. The ADG of the piglets were calculated and blood samples were drawn from the jugular vein of each piglet at days 14, 28 and 42. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with α0.05 as significant. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the ADG and haematological parameters of piglets irrespective of betaine hydrochloride supplementation. Numerical indices indicated that ADG was highest for piglets administered 0.1g betaine hydrochloride (7.54kg) while piglets on 0.05g betaine hydrochloride and the control weighed 5.83 and 6.38kg respectively. In conclusion, results obtained shows that pre-weaning supplementation of betaine hydrochloride did not negatively impact piglet performance.