The Influence of Gelatin on Prevention of Perosis in Turkeys Fed Choline and Betaine

Experimental data showing an influence of different diets on antiperotic properties of betaine and methionine for chicks have been reported by McGinnis, Norris, and Heuser (1944). The results showed that betaine, methionine, and choline prevented perosis and promoted growth in chicks when added to a simplified diet. Only choline was effective for either function when these materials were added to a purified diet containing gelatin. The difference in antiperotic activity of betaine and methionine when added to the two diets was believed to be due to the presence in the simplified diet of a precursor necessary for biological choline synthesis or the presence in the purified diet of a factor which inhibited choline synthesis by the chick. The two experiments reported herein were conducted to determine (1) whether betaine has antiperotic and growth-promoting properties for turkey poults when added to a diet similar in composition to the simplified diet 543 . . .