Biotin, also known as vitamin H or coenzyme R, is an essential water-soluble sulfur-containing vitamin for animal growth. It is one of the indispensable vitamins in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.
Biotin plays a crucial role as a necessary cofactor for carboxylase enzymes in maintaining the integrity and health of epithelial cell tissues.
In the past, it was widely believed that biotin was widely distributed at low concentrations in animals and plants, and animals could obtain it from food. The body itself can also synthesize it through rumen and intestinal microorganisms, so biotin can meet the needs of animal production. However, feed ingredients have low biotin content, and only half of the biotin present can be utilized. Additionally, with the gradual improvement of animal production levels, advancements in feed processing technology, and the popularity of intensive feeding methods, the requirement for biotin in animals has increased. As a result, insufficient biotin intake can lead to slow growth and development, dermatitis, hair loss, and in severe cases, diabetes and immune disorders.
The metabolic pathways of biotin in animals
Biotin exists in the form of a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes in animals and is involved in regulating the metabolism of the three major nutrients: fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
In the process of fat metabolism, biotin promotes the synthesis of fatty acids by increasing the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase.
In carbohydrate metabolism and gluconeogenesis, biotin has a physiological function in fixing carbon dioxide. Biotin enzymes are involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and play a role in promoting phosphorylation during energy production.
In protein metabolism, biotin acts as a coenzyme for propionyl-CoA carboxylase and plays an important role in amino acid deamination, transfer of amino groups, and the metabolism of leucine and tryptophan.
Therefore, biotin is an important vitamin, and despite its low requirement, it plays an absolutely essential role in animal nutrition and metabolism.
Biotin's role in the growth of skin, hair, and hoof health is significant. Biotin directly regulates the metabolism of follicle cells and can also indirectly impact follicle development by influencing food intake or metabolism.
Research has found that biotin deficiency leads to noticeable follicular sheath necrosis, directly affecting follicle function and inhibiting hair growth, resulting in hair damage. The indirect effect occurs as biotin, in the form of a coenzyme, transforms acetyl-CoA into methylcrotonyl-CoA in the carbohydrate metabolism of hair follicles, allowing propionate to enter the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), thus playing a crucial role in energy production by promoting phosphorylation.
Furthermore, biotin plays an important role in follicle synthesis through its participation in nucleic acid metabolism, being vital in the conversion of amino acids such as serine and histidine, as well as purines and pyrimidines, into single carbon fragments, impacting cell division and protein synthesis.
Biotin also plays a significant role in the gene expression process of keratin synthesis and epidermal cell proliferation, promoting keratin production, influencing epidermal cell diffusion and differentiation, and effectively reducing the occurrence of diseases such as bleeding, dermatitis, and hair loss in poultry.
The application of biotin
- Biotin application in monogastric animal production.
Monogastric animals require very low levels of biotin, and most natural feed ingredients do not contain sufficient biotin. For example, wheat contains almost no biotin that is available to animals, so it must be provided through premixes. However, the high cost limits its use in low-cost products. Studies have confirmed that adding biotin to livestock and poultry feed can reduce the incidence and mortality of leg diseases.
- Application of biotin in ruminant animal production.
Biotin is particularly essential for the growth of cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen of ruminant animals. It plays a role in ruminal carbohydrate metabolism, propionate production, and fatty acid synthesis. Research has shown that supplementing cows with 20 mg/day of biotin can increase biotin levels in plasma and colostrum. Studies have also found that adding 20 mg/day of biotin to dairy cow feed has a positive impact on conditions like lameness, reducing the incidence of hoof diseases. Furthermore, research has shown that adding 10-20 mg/(kg·day) of biotin to the feed of each calf can decrease the occurrence rate of various foot diseases.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient in animal metabolism. It plays a crucial role in the growth and development of animals, particularly in the health of their skin and coat. HSF Biotech is a reputable company that specializes in producing high-quality 2% feed-grade biotin for animal nutrition.
In animal husbandry, biotin is recognized for its ability to enhance the synthesis of tissue and keratin in hair follicles, resulting in improved skin and coat condition. By promoting protein synthesis, biotin helps animals maintain healthy skin and promotes the growth of lustrous and resilient hair. Additionally, biotin has been found to reduce the occurrence of skin inflammations and diseases such as dermatitis and hoof problems like lameness.
HSF Biotech's 2% feed-grade biotin is specifically formulated for inclusion in animal feed. This ensures that animals receive an adequate supply of biotin to meet their nutritional requirements. Incorporating biotin into animal feed can be accomplished by adding it to premixes or feed formulations, guaranteeing that animals receive the necessary amounts of this vital nutrient.
The inclusion of HSF Biotech's 2% feed-grade biotin in animal feed offers numerous benefits. It supports optimal skin and coat health, leading to improved appearance and overall well-being in animals. Furthermore, the reduction in skin inflammations and hoof problems contributes to enhanced animal comfort and productivity.
Biotin is an important vitamin in animal metabolism, particularly for the health of their skin and coat. HSF Biotech's production of 2% feed-grade biotin ensures its availability for animal nutrition. By incorporating biotin into animal feed, it positively impacts tissue and keratin synthesis, reduces skin inflammations, and helps prevent hoof problems. HSF Biotech's commitment to producing high-quality feed-grade biotin contributes to the overall health and well-being of animals in the agricultural industry.
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