Effect of dietary betaine supplementation on haematological parameters of broiler chickens

Abstract

Poultry industry has been recognized as a fast-developing sector aiming to produce low cost and high-nutrient foods for human consumption. The primary goal of raising poultry is to produce meat and eggs. Betaine can be a potential feed additive that can improve production performance of poultry. It has capacity to improve resistance to heat stress, enhance nutrient absorption and maintain normal physiological functions This study aimed to assess the effects of betaine supplementation on haematological parameters in broiler chickens. 128-day old chicks were divided into four groups: control (T0), betaine 1 g/kg feed (T1), betaine 2 g/kg feed (T2) and betaine 3 g/kg feed (T3). Blood samples were collected on 35th day of trial. Results indicated a significant increase (p