Effect of biotin on dermatitis and hatchability in dwarf and normal size single comb white leghorn layers

Dwarf Single Comb White Leghorn layers were observed to exhibit a marked incidence of cracked skin (dermatitis) on their foot pads and toes when compared to normal size layers, even though both types of layers were on similar rations except that the dwarfs received more methionine. An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of biotin supplementation on dermatitis and hatchability in both types of layers fed rations similar to those fed when the presumed deficiency symptoms were observed. Biotin supplementation did not affect the incidence of dermatitis in either the normals or the dwarfs. Hatchability was satisfactory in both types of layers, and it was significantly higher in the dwarfs, which is contrary to what would be expected if they had suffered from a biotin deficiency.