Variations in plasma biotin and mineral concentrations due to zinc-biotin supplementation in lame Karan Fries cows during peri-parturient period

Abstract

Nutritional programme of pregnant cows have a significant effect on occurrence of lameness in later lactation. Highly productive lactating cows have much greater needs for minerals and vitamins. Blood biotin and zinc, that are important nutrients in the formation and integrity of the keratinized tissues, often decreases around calving and extra supplementation is recommended, particularly in lame cows during peri-parturient period . The present study was carried out on 40 high yielding lame crossbred KF cows maintained at Livestock Research Centre (LRC), NDRI Karnal, which were distributed into control and three treatment groups and supplemented with 10, 20 and 30 mg/d biotin and 2g of ZnSO 4 during periparturient period. The results of the study suggested that, transition diet with biotin and Zn supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of plasma biotin and Zn levels in supplemental groups compare to control. The overall biotin values were 344. 23±11.38, 637.42±24.78, 672.75±29.40 and 709.01±22.77 ng/L and Zn values were 0.40±0.01, 1.12±0.05, 1.22±0.05 and 1.18±0.05 ppm in control, T-1, T-2 and T-3 groups respectively. Thus, by feeding supplemental nutrients (biotin and zinc) lameness can be minimize in high yielding dairy cows during peri-parturient period.

Impact of Nutrients on the Hoof Health in Cattle

“…Zinc is crucial for hoof formation, providing catalytic, structural, and regulatory functions in keratinization [ 4 , 27 ], playing a considerable role in the creation of structural keratin proteins [ 27 , 42 , 73 , 103 , 115 ] and regulating calmodulin and responsible for the transfer of calcium ions to the cytosol of keratinocytes, which is relevant in the last stage of keratinocyte development [ 19 , 93 ]. Zinc is significant for maintaining the health and integrity of the skin due to its role in cell repair and replacement and it plays a crucial role in wound healing [ 65 , 73 , 103 , 114 , 115 , 118 ]. Feeding a balanced mineral mixture with the addition of zinc is suitable for preventing interdigital necrotic inflammation [ 84 ].…”

“…The feed ration with biotin and zinc significantly increased plasma biotin concentrations and Zn levels in the supplemental groups as compared to the control. By feeding supplemental nutrients (biotin and zinc), lameness can be minimized in high-yielding dairy cows during the parturition period [ 118 ].…”

“…Insufficient amounts of zinc, copper, and manganese promoted oxidative stress, increased incidence of cartilage disorders, and poor horn quality [ 27 ]. Copper bound in an organic amino acid complex is more bioavailable than inorganic sulphate sources [ 103 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , 118 , 121 ], thereby improving the production of keratinized tissue [ 113 , 117 ], demonstrating a lower incidence of hoof disease in dairy cows fed organic forms of trace elements [ 113 ] and a reduction in the prevalence of lameness [ 27 ].…”

“…Biotin, vitamin B7, is a significant vitamin for keratinization [ 19 , 30 , 61 , 73 , 75 , 81 ] and hoof integrity [ 26 , 75 , 81 , 93 , 118 , 128 ], which increases the importance of biotinidase, the enzyme responsible for recovery and recycling biotin [ 75 ]. This water-soluble vitamin [ 18 , 61 , 81 , 129 ], which is also called vitamin H [ 19 , 73 , 81 , 129 , 130 ], acts as a cofactor in gluconeogenesis, fatty acid, and protein synthesis [ 18 , 61 , 73 , 81 , 96 , 128 ].…”