(Originally published in
Gallop Magazine, Summer 2002, Issue 3)
When it comes to hoof care, repair or
maintenance, the key word that jumps to mind is Biotin. It's in wide use these
days among horse owners, farriers, veterinarians and is growing in popularity
for use by other species too.
Originally called Vitamin H, (from Haut, the
German word for skin) biotin is a B vitamin so essential that it is
manufactured in the gut naturally. Even though an extreme deficiency could
result in death, those cases are very rare. A deficiency will generally appear
in the form of a dull, lackluster coat, and/or cracked, brittle hooves.
It's important to note that horses with a
susceptibility to this deficiency will show a marked improvement with
supplementation. Although it takes a period of several months to totally repair
bad hooves, a shinier coat will be apparent in as little as 5 weeks. There
really is not any testing available to determine if biotin supplementation is absolutely
needed, so most care providers simply watch for symptoms. Careful attention
during a regimen of supplementation will determine if a lack of biotin was the
problem.
There may not be any effective way to avoid a
deficiency. Sometimes diet plays an important role in the development of the
deficiency. Rancid fats and raw egg whites are proven to render the biotin in
the system unavailable. This means that some feeds high in natural fat, such as
flax seed (which is a very good source of biotin) could become rancid if
exposed to high temperatures. Some high energy supplements may contain
ingredients in which the processing at very high temperatures leaves fat
rancid. The environment also contributes to a deficiency since air pollutants
cannot be avoided even in rural settings. Fumes from farm machinery and
automobile traffic affect the natural ability to synthesize biotin. Biotin
deficiency also appears to be passed along generation after generation in some
cases.
Once a problem area has been corrected by biotin
supplementation a daily dose of biotin is still recommended. Unless the
deficiency was diet induced this is generally the best method of action since
symptoms are otherwise prone to reappear. Depending on individual cases,
anywhere from 1-2 mg of biotin up to 15 mg per day may be used. Fortunately,
biotin is a water soluble vitamin that will not build up in the system. This
makes it very safe for pregnant and lactating mares who need at least twice
their normal amount of biotin.
It may seem that trial and error are the methods
employed for correcting a biotin deficiency. However, the testing done provides
enough data to determine that biotin is very essential, what the symptoms of a
deficiency are and how much is needed per case. So, trial and error only appear
to be employed while simple adjustments need to be made per individual
symptoms. Generally the guidelines of an average of 8 mg. dose to improve skin
and coat condition, and 15 mg. dose to improve hooves are adequate.
Biotin is not used to correct every skin or hoof
condition. However, biotin is an extremely important nutrient and skin and coat
condition is a definite indication that a horse is lacking a sufficient amount.
If you think your horse might be in need, supplement for a few weeks and watch
closely for any sign of improvement. Biotin is a vitamin remember, and will not
work overnight. It must work from the inside out, restoring your horse to
health, naturally.
By: Diane Clark
About the author: Diane Clark
works for a major neutraceutical company and is specializing in biotin
research. She is a freelance writer and published in magazines dealing with
equine, pets and human nutrition.
