One hundred seventy five steers (902 lb
initial body weight) were used in a finishing
study to determine the effect of betaine,
provided either as feed-grade betaine
(Betafin-S6, Finnsugar Bioproducts) or as
concentrated separator by-product (CSB; desugared
beet molasses), on animal performance and carcass characteristics. Steers were fed a finishing diet based on steam-flaked and dry-rolled corn. Treatments included 10.5 or 21 g/steer daily supplemental feed-grade betaine or 250 g (15.5 betaine) or 500 g (31 g betaine) of CSB per steer
daily. Dry matter intakes increased (linear,
P<0.1) for steers supplemented with feed-
grade betaine. Average daily gains and feed
efficiencies were not affected by treatments.
Dressing percent and twelfth rib back fat
increased (P<0.1) for steers that received
feed-grade betaine. Rib-eye area decreased
(P<0.1) when steers were supplemented with
either feed-grade betaine or CSB. Yield
grades were significantly higher (linear,
P<0.1) for cattle receiving supplemental CSB
or feed-grade betaine (quadratic, P<.05). Hot carcass weights, KPH, marbling scores, and percentage of carcasses grading USDA
Choice were not affected by supplemental
betaine. In this study, betaine supplementation did not markedly alter growth performance, but carcass fatness tended to increase
for both supplements.
