Betaine is widely present in animals and plants. The molecular formula of betaine is C5H11NO2, the molecular weight is 117.15, and the scientific name is trimethylammonium hydantoin or glycine trimethylamine inner salt. Raising pigs with betaine can bring considerable economic benefits to farmers.

Methyl is a substance necessary for the synthesis of certain amino acids and glands in pigs, because it is very unstable, it can only be supplied by food. Choline and methionine are important sources of methyl groups in pigs. Betaine can also provide methyl groups, so it can partially replace the methyl-donating role of methionine in the body.
Betaine is closely related to the metabolism of methionine. It can supply methyl groups, thereby reducing the consumption of methionine and has the effect of enhancing the physiological effects of methionine. The exogenous betaine absorbed by animals is mainly stored in the liver and can supply methyl groups for the chemical synthesis of important substances in the body.

Research shows that the mixed use of betaine and ionophore anticoccidial drugs can significantly reduce the risk of coccidia infection in animals, and then improve their growth function and resistance. Especially for piglets, adding betaine in their feed can improve both intestinal function and prevent diarrhea, and increase feed intake, which has outstanding practical value. In addition, adding betaine in the feed can alleviate the stress response of the piglets, and then improve the feed intake and growth rate of the weaned piglets.