ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of betaine in the diet of sows in the last third of gestation and during lactation, on reproductive performance, composition of the milk, and economic evaluation. A total of 72 sows were used, 36 in the first reproductive cycle (171.77 ± 7.54 kg) and 36 in the second cycle (203.17 ± 13.31 kg), distributed over a randomized-block design, in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme of two reproductive cycles and three diets (R0: control diet, R1: diet with the inclusion of 0.2% betaine and a reduction of 50% in digestible methionine requirement, R2: control diet supplemented with 0.2% betaine). The addition of betaine to the diets had no effect on weight at birth, weight of the sows at weaning, or average weight of the piglets at birth and at weaning, although piglets from sows in their second cycle displayed a higher weight at birth and weaning. There was no effect from the treatments on the interval between weaning and oestrus in the sows. Total protein and triglycerides in the milk did not differ; there were however differences in composition for days post-partum. The diets did not significantly affect average values for the fatty acid profile of the sow milk, or the economic variables. Replacing up to 50% of the digestible methionine with betaine in the sows' diet (day 84 of gestation to day 21 of lactation) had no negative effects on the production parameters.
Key words:
Additives; Gestation; Lactation; Trimethylglycine