Betaine increases net portal absorption of volatile fatty acids in Iberian pigs

Betaine is an osmolyte with the potential to increase volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production and hence improve intestinal health.The present study investigated how betaine affects portal arterial concentrations net absorption (NPA) of VFA in growing Iberian pigs. Eight 30 kg BW barrows indwelling catheters vein, ileal vein carotid artery were randomly assigned a control diet or supplemented 0.5% betaine. Para-aminohippuric acid was infused into as marker determine blood flow using dilution method. Blood samples simultaneously taken from at −60, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 360 min after feeding 1 200 g diet. The NPA (acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, isobutyrate caproate) determined by multiplying porto-arterial plasma concentration differences flow. increased acetate (1.44 fold; P < 0.001) total (0.55 while decreased propionate (−0.38 0.05) valerate (−1.46 compared Estimated heat potentially derived accounted for 0.20–0.27 metabolizable energy maintenance. Acetate most estimated (0.83–0.89). Regarding bacterial communities, apparently did not change DNA abundance fecal bacteria, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterobacteriaceae, Bacteroides Clostridium clusters I, IV XIV. In conclusion, appearance VFA, contributing cover maintenance requirements.