Biotin (Vitamin H) and Choline Deficiency
Biotin (Vitamin H) and Choline Deficiency is not commonly seen in animals clinically. Biotin is needs for carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, amino acid deamination, purine synthesis and nucleic acid metabolism. Choline is a dietary essentials for pigs and calves.
Biotin (Vitamin H)
Biotin is needs for carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, amino acid deamination, purine synthesis and nucleic acid metabolism.
Biotin Deficiency in Cattle
- Biotin deficiency significantly causes lameness in cattle.
- Biotin (Vitamin H) is important for the differentiation of epidermal cells which are required for normal production of keratin and hoof tissue.
- In normal animal biotin is synthesized in rumen, However ruminal synthesis of biotin inhibited by acid production in the rumen, which may increase the requirement of biotin for the high producing dairy animals.
Deficiency Signs
- Biotin deficient animal shows lesions in hooves, horns and skin.
- White line in hooves.
- Reduce the strength of hooves and horn.
- Reduce the keratinization of hooves and horn.
- Sand cracks and fissure on hoof and horn.
- Lameness
Treatment
Supplementation of biotin improves the quality of horn and improves healing of sole ulcers and prevents laminitis.
Biotin Deficiency in Pigs
- Deficiency mainly by diet.
- Continuous administrations of antibiotics like Sulphonamides.
Deficiency Signs
- Alopecia
- Dermatitis
- Painful cracking of the sole and the walls of the hooves.
Treatment
- Dietary supplementation for sow at 4-5 µg/day.
Choline
Choline is a dietary essentials for pigs and calves. Choline deficiency causes weakness, inability to get up, laboured, rapid breathing and anorexia.
Dietary supplement of Choline at 20 g/day to the pregnant cow 14 day before calving, it will increase milk yield.
