Betaine, as an efficient aquatic feed additive, can effectively solve the problems of loss of appetite and feed waste in fish. Its mechanism of action is mainly reflected in two aspects: attracting and promoting food intake, and improving feed utilization efficiency.

How does betaine solve the problem of loss of appetite in fish?

Strong attractant effect:

Betaine has a unique sweet taste and a highly sensitive umami flavor to aquatic animals such as fish, shrimp, and crabs, which can strongly stimulate their sense of smell and taste, significantly improve the palatability of feed, and effectively stimulate appetite, solving the problem of refusal to eat caused by stress, disease, or environmental changes. ‌

Enhance the effectiveness of other food attractants: Betaine can work synergistically with other amino acids to enhance their taste stimulation on fish, further increasing the attractiveness of feed. ‌

Relieve stress response: Under stress conditions such as changes in water quality, transportation, or disease, the food intake of fish will decrease. Betaine helps maintain the normal food intake of fish and alleviate the negative effects of stress. ‌

How can betaine reduce feed waste?

Shortening feeding time and increasing food intake: After adding betaine, fish can recognize and feed feed faster, significantly reducing feeding time and increasing single feed intake. For example, experiments have shown that the feeding time of Macrobrachium rosenbergii can be shortened by 1/3 to 1/2. ‌

Improve feed utilization and conversion rate: Betaine not only promotes fish to eat more, but also enhances digestion and absorption, improving feed conversion efficiency. This directly leads to a decrease in the "feed coefficient" (i.e. the amount of feed required to produce a unit weight of fish and shrimp). ‌

Specific data reference: Adding 0.3% -0.5% betaine to the feed of 2-month-old carp can increase daily weight gain by 41% -49% and reduce feed efficiency by 14% -24%. ‌

Adding betaine to trout feed can increase weight gain by 23.5% and reduce feed efficiency by 14.01%. ‌
Adding 1.5% betaine to crab bait can increase net weight gain by 95.3%. ‌

Reducing the sinking of leftover bait: Due to more active and thorough feeding by fish, the amount of leftover bait that sinks to the bottom without being consumed is significantly reduced, thereby reducing pollution to the water body. ‌

Addition amount and applicability:

Recommended dosage:

The conventional dosage in aquatic feed is 0.5% to 1.5%, which is effective for most fish and crustaceans. 

Special note: Studies have shown that betaine has a significant attractant effect on carp, wild carp, tilapia, rainbow trout, river crabs, etc., but its attractant effect on grass carp may not be significant. ‌

However, it still plays an active role in promoting the growth of grass carp and preventing fatty liver. ‌

In summary, betaine is an effective solution for improving fish appetite, increasing feeding efficiency, reducing feed waste, and lowering aquaculture costs through its dual effects of excellent attractant properties and promoting metabolism.