Löest, C.A.Coetzer, C.M.Hunter, R.D.Lambert, B.D.Titgemeyer, Evan C.Drouillard, James S.2010-08-232010-08-232010-08-23http://hdl.handle.net/2097/4660Crossbred 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.BeefBetaineHeifersPerformanceCarcassConference paper