Role of Biotin in Hoof Health and Milk Production of Dairy Cows

Biotin, a water soluble vitamin of B complex group, is naturally present in the diet of dairy animals. Though it is synthesized in the rumen of all ruminants but its bioavailability depends upon the type of ration formulated and presented to the dairy animals. Generally, a high proteinacious diet contains more biotin. High forage and low concentrate diet in general favours high biotin synthesis in rumen. Biotin is specially required for production of keratin and the epidermal tissues of hoof-horn as well as it may also have other metabolic effects that could influence milk production. Biotin is a cofactor of three different enzymes needed for synthesis of glucose and one required for synthesis of fatty acids. Thus, biotin supplementation may be helpful in the improvement of hoof health as well as in increasing milk production of dairy animals.