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.