DECEMBER 2000 BACK ISSUE

Part of Horse Previews Magazine website. Posted on 12/01/2000; 2:00:00PM.

Some Facts About Biotin

-- Nutritional Services, Inc.

Biotin which was formerly called Vitamin H, is a B-Complex Vitamin that is required in relatively small quantities by most animals. However, several animals, notably ruminants, do not have to receive much if any Biotin in their diets because certain bacteria in their digestive systems produce sufficient quantities to satisfy the host animals nutritional needs.

While horses are not ruminants, they do have a digestive system which, when healthy maintains very large numbers of microflora, some of which are bacteria producing several B-Complex vitamins, one of which is Biotin. Most of this symbiotic activity takes place in the horse's cecum, often called the "blind gut."

Few if any Biotin deficiency symptoms in horses have been documented. Poultry and swine, when fed some diets, develop lesions of the feet which disappear or diminish when suitable quantities of Biotin are added to their diets.

Studies conducted in England and the United States have found that supplemental Biotin can benefit horses having serious hoof problems. A range of 10 to 20 milligrams of Biotin daily is necessary to bring about this type of response. It is interesting to note that the Biotin in barley, wheat and Milo is virtually unavailable to horses while that in oats is slightly better. The Biotin in corn, yeast and soybean meal is quite digestible. Also Biotin found in grass and clover is quite available.

However, there are serious problems with Biotin. It is very expensive and it must be fed for a year or more to observe a response. In many cases the problem may be a lack of protein or calcium in the diet. These nutrients should be accounted for before beginning a long-term Biotin feeding program.

At this time it would appear that if your horse needs added Biotin, he needs not less that 15 mg. per day. You should be aware that feeding a Biotin supplement which does not guarantee at least 15 mg. per horse per day is probably a waste of your time and money. If a supplement you are now feeding or are considering doesn't provide a guarantee as a part of its label, you should assume that it is one of those that is just putting enough in the supplement to be able to claim that it does contain Biotin. You may also assume that the amount of Biotin provided in such supplements is minimal.

Only a very small percentage of horses will benefit from having Biotin added to their diets. Some horses may have something in their diets that will inhibit beneficial bacteria growth in their digestive system and/or contain compounds that prevent Biotin from adequately playing its nutritional role.

Biotin is not a medicine. It is an essential nutrient. Your horse will only benefit from added Biotin if he has a deficiency. If your horse has good sound hooves, it is highly improbable that he has any need for supplemental Biotin.

If your horse has bad hooves, and you are quite sure such is not being caused by environmental factors, then you should seriously consider the use of at least 15 mg. per day for a minimum of 9 to 12 months. The hoof walls of horses if injured or damaged must be replaced by new growth starting from the coronet band. You must allow sufficient time for the new, healthier hoof growth to replace the damaged or unhealthy hoof wall.

If you wish to use a Biotin supplement, we hope that you will give full consideration to Northwest Horse Supplement - Biotin. It is available at feed stores, veterinarians and tack shops in 10 lb. (40 feedings) and 25 lb. (100 feedings) bags at the least possible costs to you.

If you have any questions about Biotin or our equine products, please call our nutritionist Dr. Mike Mehren, at Nutritional Services, Inc. 1-800-848-2015. www.nutritional servicesinc.com or write P.O. Box 26, Hermiston, OR 97838.