Use of betaine in gilts and sows during lactation: Effects on milk quality, reproductive parameters, and piglet performance

Abstract

Objectives: To study the effects of betaine inclusion in the feed on gilts and multiparous sows and their litters. Material and methods: Forty-eight sows and gilts were randomly assigned to Control and Betaine groups, with the Betaine group receiving betaine-supplemented feed from 5 days before their due dates until the end of the lactation period of approximately 18 days. Production parameters were assessed over two consecutive parities, and colostrum and milk were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. Results: In die first studied parity, only average daily feed intake differed between Betaine and Control group females (5.43 ± 0.10 kg and 5.91 ± 0.10 kg, respectively; P