ABSTRACT
This study examined the effects of dietary betaine in its hydrochloride form on the average
daily weight gain (ADG) and haematological parameters on postnatal piglets. Three sows
were used for this study with each sow having nine piglets. The sows were fed the same
quantity and quality of feed to enable them to cater and nurture their piglets from day 1 to
42. Each group of piglets per sow was replicated three times in a completely randomized
design and were orally administered 0.0g, 0.05g, and 0.1g betaine hydrochloride
respectively daily. The ADG of the piglets were calculated and blood samples were drawn
from the jugular vein of each piglet on day 14, 28, and 42. The data obtained were subjected
to analysis of variance (ANOVA) with ∞0.05 as significant. The result showed there was no
significant (P>0.05) difference in the ADG and haematological parameters of piglets
irrespective of betaine hydrochloride supplementation. Numerical indices indicated that
ADG was highest for piglets administered 0.1g betaine hydrochloride (7.5kg) while piglets
on 0.05g betaine hydrochloride and the control weighed 5.83 and 6.38kg respectively. In
conclusion, results obtained showed that betaine hydrochloride did not negatively impact
the piglet’s performance.
KEYWORDS:Betaine hydrochloride, Pre-weaning, Piglets, Weight gain, Haematology
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