Effect of a dietary supplement of biotin on pig hoof horn strength and hardness

Abstract

Supplementary biotin (1 mg d-biotin/kg feed) increased the compressive strength of the mid-abaxial sidewall region of pig's hoof from 9.3 (+/- 0.5) X 10(6) N/m2 to 12.0 (+/- 0.5) X 10(6) N/m2 (P less than 0.05). It also increased the hardness of this region, measured on the Shore A and D hardness scales (P less than 0.05). The leading edge of the hoof wall was significantly stronger than the sidewall (P less than 0.001) with a compressive strength of 14.5 (+/- 0.7) X 10(6) N/m2. This site showed no significant improvement in compressive strength or hardness in response to biotin. Biotin also produced a significant decrease in the hardness of the heel bulb on the Shore A scale (P less than 0.05). There would therefore appear to be a rational biomechanical basis for the finding by others that biotin reduces lameness. The Shore A and D hardness testers are sensitive to the improvement produced by biotin and may be useful as small, hand-held hoof testing devices for use in field conditions by the practising veterinarian.

Review of health problems in group‐housed sows, with special emphasis on lameness

“…With slatted floors, the 'void ratio' (the ratio of area of holes per unit area of floor to unit area) is also a factor (56). The humidity (42,57) and temperature (18) of the hooves also play a role. Biotin in the diet also affects the hardness and strength of the horn of the hooves (16,23,34,57).…”

“…The humidity (42,57) and temperature (18) of the hooves also play a role. Biotin in the diet also affects the hardness and strength of the horn of the hooves (16,23,34,57). Second, housing and management influence the occurrence of lameness and foot lesions indirectly by influencing the amount and type of movements the pigs can make (24).…”

Brüchige Nägel

“…Bestimmt wurde dabei die KnoopHärtezahl, die die Einbuchtung des Nagelorgans unter einem bestimmten Gewicht angibt. Positive Wirkungen von Biotin auf die Härte von Schweinehufen sind mit einem methodisch anderen Oberflächenhärtetest [33] gezeigt worden. Umfangreichere Erfahrungen mit der Anwendung dieser Methoden bei der Nageldiagnostik liegen nicht vor.…”

“…Messungen der Druckhärte sind am Schweinehuf [33] und an Hornsubstanzen anderer Tiere [4] beschrieben worden, wobei sich eine Korrelation zwischen Druckhärte und Brüchigkeit von Hufen zeigte [33]. Ergebnisse von Kompressionshärtebestimmungen beim Menschen liegen nicht vor und Normalwerte für menschliche Nägel sind nicht bekannt.Von daher ist nicht abzuschätzen, ob diese Methoden nützliche Informationen bei der Therapiekontrolle brüchiger Nägel liefern würden.…”

Net nutrient absorption and liver metabolism in lactating dairy cows fed supplemental dietary biotin

“…This view has now been challenged as regards to the potential benefit of supplemental B-complex vitamins in lactating dairy cows (Girard, 1998). It is well documented that long-term biotin supplementation can have positive effects on hoof health in pigs (Webb et al, 1984) and horses (Comben et al, 1984). More recently, studies in lactating dairy cows have consistently demonstrated a positive effect of supplemental biotin on hoof growth, integrity, and the incidence of lameness (Midla et al, 1998;Fitzgerald et al, 2000;Hedges et al, 2001;Bergsten et al, 2003).…”