J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1985. 60:136-144.
© 1985 American Society of Animal Science
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Supplemental Biotin for Swine. I. Influence on Feedlot Performance, Plasma Biotin and Toe Lesions in Developing Gilts1

K. L. Bryant2, E. T. Kornegay3, J. W. Knight3, K. E. Webb, Jr.3 and D. R. Notter3

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061

Abstract

Three trials, utilizing a total of 240 crossbred gilts, were conducted to study the influence of 0 (NB) or 220 (SB) µg supplemental biotin/kg of diet on feedlot performance, plasma biotin and development of toe lesions in developing gilts. Corn-soybean meal diets were fed from weaning to 92 kg body weight. Gilts were housed on expanded-metal floors to 50 kg body weight and on partially slatted concrete floors until completion of the trials. Feedlot performance, hair and structural soundness scores were not different (P>.10) between NB and SB gilts. Plasma biotin (PB) levels were elevated (P<.01) when supplemental biotin was included in the diet. Gilts consuming SB diets had fewer (P<.01) toe lesions/gilt and lower (P<.01) toe lesion severity scores/gilt compared with gilts fed NB diets. Heel-horn erosion and heel cracks were the most frequent toe lesions observed. Fewer gilts (P<.01) developed side-wall toe cracks when fed SB diets. Supplemental biotin reduced the frequency of individual toes containing heel-horn erosion (P<.10), heel cracks (P<.05) and side-wall toe cracks (P<.05) with the severity of these lesions not affected (P>.10) by supplemental biotin. These results suggest that biotin levels in corn-soybean meal diets are adequate for feedlot performance, and that supplemental biotin can improve hoof integrity, but will not prevent toe lesions.

Footnotes

1 Appreciation is expressed to Mrs. Helen Bartlett for data analysis and biotin assays; to Mrs. Susan Arthur-Fennell for data analysis; to Mrs. Cindy Hixon for typing the manuscript; to Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, NJ for supplying biotin and for partial financial support; to Borden Chemical Co., Norfolk, VA; Agricultural Processing Corp., Salem, VA and Calcium Carbonate Co., Quincy, IL for ingredients.

2 Present address: Dept. of Anim. Sci., North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh, NC.

3 Dept. of Anim. Sci.






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Copyright © 1985 by the American Society of Animal Science.