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Summary
Supplemental biotin is crucial for swine health and reproduction. Research shows it improves litter size, conception rates, and reduces lesions, indicating a need for dietary supplementation in modern swine production.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Swine Physiology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Historically, supplemental biotin was considered unnecessary for swine due to its presence in feedstuffs and intestinal synthesis.
- Renewed interest in biotin nutrition for swine emerged in the mid-1970s due to field reports of deficiency symptoms.
- Modern swine production conditions may lead to marginal biotin deficiency despite feedstuff availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of supplemental biotin on swine reproductive performance and overall health.
- To evaluate the efficacy of biotin supplementation in addressing deficiency symptoms in sows.
- To determine optimal biotin levels for contemporary swine diets.
Main Methods:
- Long-term sow studies over multiple parities (three to four) were conducted.
- Data collection included reproductive parameters, physical health indicators (lesions, haircoat), and biotin concentrations.
- Experimental diets with varying biotin levels were likely utilized, though not explicitly detailed.
Main Results:
- Supplemental biotin significantly improved litter size and conception rates in sows.
- Key indicators of deficiency, such as toe lesions and hair loss, were reduced with biotin supplementation.
- Elevated milk and plasma biotin concentrations were observed in sows and piglets receiving supplemental biotin.
- Weaning-to-estrus interval was positively affected by biotin supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Marginal biotin deficiency is a possibility in modern swine production systems.
- Supplemental biotin is recommended to enhance sow reproductive efficiency and piglet health.
- Producers experiencing poor reproductive outcomes and physical symptoms should consider biotin analysis and supplementation.