Tilapia farming often faces environmental challenges such as sudden temperature changes, handling, or transport stress. These factors can suppress appetite, weaken immune response, and ultimately reduce growth performance. Incorporating betaine into aquafeed has shown promising results in helping tilapia recover more effectively from stress.

Betaine functions as an osmolyte, maintaining cellular water balance during stressful conditions. This role helps stabilize proteins and enzymes, ensuring metabolic processes continue without major disruption. When tilapia diets are supplemented with betaine, studies indicate improved feed intake and faster return to normal growth patterns after stress events.

Additionally, betaine may reduce the energy cost of osmoregulation, allowing fish to allocate more resources toward growth. For aquaculture producers, this means a practical strategy to maintain consistent performance, even under variable farming conditions.