Betaine Anhydrous CAS 107-43-7

Core Role in Animal Nutrition

Betaine anhydrous, also called trimethylglycine, is a naturally occurring quaternary ammonium compound. Its core value in feed formulations lies in being an efficient direct methyl donor. Methyl groups are required for DNA synthesis, protein production and fat metabolism in animals. Betaine donates methyl groups in the methionine cycle, sparing dietary methionine and reducing reliance on choline chloride for methyl supply. This allows nutritionists to cut down expensive methionine inclusion while maintaining or lifting production output.

Compared with betaine hydrochloride or monohydrate grades, the anhydrous form contains no bound water and delivers higher active content per unit weight. It also has lower moisture pick-up tendency when properly sealed, and disperses evenly in vitamin premixes and complete feeds with minimal segregation risk.

Proven Benefits Across Livestock Species

Poultry production
Supports egg production rate and shell quality in laying hens, and improves weight gain and feed conversion ratio in broilers. It also helps birds tolerate heat stress by stabilizing cellular water balance, reducing production drops during high-temperature seasons.

Swine farming
Improves daily gain and feed efficiency in growing-finishing pigs, and supports carcass quality by increasing lean meat deposition. It also eases weaning stress in piglets and helps maintain feed intake during diet transition periods.

Ruminant nutrition
Added to dairy and beef cattle rations to support rumen microbial activity and improve nutrient utilization. It mitigates heat stress impact on milk yield and helps maintain body condition in high-production dairy herds.

Aquaculture
Supports osmoregulation in fish and shrimp, especially during salinity fluctuations and transport operations. It improves survival rate, enhances growth speed and reduces stress-related mortality in high-density farming systems.

Feed Grade Quality Standards

Packaging & Storage Recommendations

Betaine anhydrous is hygroscopic by nature. Store in tightly sealed original packaging in a cool, dry warehouse below 30 °C. Keep away from direct moisture sources and high-humidity areas to prevent caking and clumping.

UATChem offers standard packaging in 25 kg kraft bags with inner PE liners and 1000 kg bulk jumbo bags. Custom packaging sizes and tailored particle size fractions are available on request. The material is classified as Non-DG for standard ocean and land transport. Verify assay and moisture content on receipt before releasing for production use.

Dust may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Wear standard dust masks and safety goggles during bulk handling operations.

Common Technical Questions

Q: How does betaine anhydrous compare to choline chloride as a methyl donor?

A: Betaine is a more efficient direct methyl donor. Choline must first be converted in the liver before donating methyl groups. Betaine also avoids the fishy odor and corrosive properties of choline chloride, making it cleaner to handle in premix plants.

Q: What is the typical inclusion rate in broiler and pig feed?

A: Usually 0.5–2 kg per ton of complete feed for broilers, and 1–3 kg per ton for growing pigs. Higher doses can be used during stress periods. Adjust based on basal diet methionine levels and production targets.

Q: Can slightly caked betaine still be used in feed?

A: Soft, easily crushed lumps do not affect active content and work fine after grinding. Hard, solid caking with visible moisture means significant water absorption; verify assay before use to ensure accurate dosing.