Trimethylglycine Used in Livestock

Livestock producers commonly use trimethylglycine, or TMG, as a supplement to increase carcass weight of beef cattle. Producers gain higher profits on beef cattle that build muscle mass quickly. Originally named betaine in the 19th century, it is also referred to as glycine betaine, oxyneurine and beet su. Mammals utilize TMG naturally through food intake.

  1. Sources of TMG

    • TMG is basically an organic compound found in food sources. Wheat, spinach, sugar beets and shellfish all contain high levels of TMG naturally. When removed during the processing of sugar beets, TMG is rendered into a white crystalline powder, later added to supplements and various animal feeds.

    Biological Function

    • TMG functions in mammals in three different ways. First, it acts as an organic osmolyte that balances extracellular hypertonicity. Secondly, TMG stabilizes protein when facing denaturing conditions. Finally, TMG serves to help convert homocysteine to methionine. According to MSN, betaine helps in the prevention of homocysteine in the human body. Homocysteine is an amino acid that contributes to strokes, circulation issues and heart disease.

    Livestock Function

    • TMG aids in the process of lipid metabolism. Through lipotropic activity, TMG potentially spares choline, according to "Influence of Betaine on Pasture, Finishing and Carcass Performance in Steers," published in 2004 by Professional Animal Scientist. The body utilizes the saved choline for lecithin synthesis, the process through which fat is transported.

    Effectiveness

    • Further findings published in the "Influence of Betaine on Pasture, Finishing and Carcass Performance in Steers" article indicate that the use of TMG supplements may increase the body weight gain of steers in the pasture and feedlot. However, this may be simply due to an increase of fat deposition. A study published in the Journal of Animal Science by Kansas State University researchers in 2002 concluded that TMG feed supplements did not alter growth performance, instead affecting the carcass in minor ways.

    TMG Supplements

    • Many popular muscle-building products contain TMG to help in the production of creatine. Many commercial wines contain TMG through the use of beet sugar in order to increase alcohol content. Health food suppliers often offer betaine supplements for use with a variety of different health issues.