Mitigating Heat Stress in Ross 308 Broilers Through Drinking Water with Different Betaine Forms

• (1) Wijdan GH. H. AL-Mamoori , and (2)Aqeel Y . A. AL-Shukri

  Author

Heat stress (HS) remains a critical challenge in poultry production, particularly in tropical regions, causing significant physiological disruptions and economic losses. This study investigated the efficacy of various betaine forms as nutritional interventions to enhance thermos tolerance in Ross 308 broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments for five weeks under heat stress: T1 (control), T2 (1 g/L Betaine Hydrochloride), T3 (1 g/L Betaine Anhydrous), and T4 (1 g/L Betafine S4). Supplementation was administered through drinking water. At the end of the trial Physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters were analyzed. Results demonstrated that all betaine forms significantly (P≤0.05) improved the physiological traits of broiler compared to the control. Supplementation effectively reduced the heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and core body temperature during peak heat periods, indicating diminished stress levels. Specifically, T4 (Betafine S4) and T2 exhibited superior performance in increasing (total protein, albumin, and globulin) concentrations. T4 significantly P< (0.05) enhanced hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC). Furthermore, betaine treatments lowered blood glucose and uric acid levels, suggesting improved metabolic efficiency and cellular osmoregulation. In conclusion, supplementing drinking water with betaine, particularly in the Betafine S4 and Hydrochloride forms, serves as a potent strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress. These findings underscore betaine’s role as an osmoprotectant and methyl donor, promoting physiological adaptation and maintaining homeostasis in high-temperature environments.

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