ActiBeet^® & Heat Stress

ActiBeet^®– A natural and NUTRITIONAL solution to heat stress!

As a result of the global climate change, heat stress in livestock farming is becoming an increasingly common problem. Heat stress has a direct impact on the animal’s biological functions and animal welfare. This has direct consequences for animal growth, fertility and health status.

When heat stress occurs the feed intake and therefore the intake of much-needed nutrients and energy decreases. For good thermoregulation and growth, energy and the right nutrients are vital in case of heat stress. In addition to the above direct consequences of short-term heat stress, long-term heat stress has a big impact on, among others, animal reproduction and growth. The long-term consequences of heat stress can also have dramatic economic consequences.

Besides the current techniques such as cooling systems and ventilation systems for climate improvement in stables, there is a growing interest in the use of nutritional solutions as an inventive solution in the battle against heat stress.

Natural betaine

A nutrient that can contribute to the prevention of heat stress is natural betaine. Betaine, such as ActiBeet^® (GMO-free), extracted from sugar beet, is a much studied and successfully used nutrient in feeds. It is a proven nutritional solution as part of a heat stress reduction strategy to limit production loss and energy loss.
ActiBeet^® – natural betaine is an effective heat stress protector as well as a scientifically proven efficient methyl donor in the methionine cycle. It also saves glycine.

As betaine is a natural osmolyte, the cells retain their integrity and functionality and fluid loss in the cell is prevented when heat stress occurs.

Heat stress dosages

In order to limit the negative consequences of heat stress, E.F.S. recommends the dosages below during heat stress or when heat stress is likely to occur.

Animal species	Recommended dosage ActiBeet® crystalline betaine
Sows	2-3 g/kg feed
Fattening pigs	1-1.5 g/kg feed
Laying hens	1 g/kg feed
Broilers	1.5 g/kg feed

Table 1. Heat stress dosages.

Would you like to know more? Please contact the E.F.S. team.