Supplementary biotin for sows: effect on reproductive characteristics

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Sow reproductive efficiency is crucial for swine production profitability.
• Optimal biotin levels are essential for metabolic and reproductive functions in livestock.
• Commercial diets may not always provide sufficient biotin for peak sow performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of biotin supplementation on sow reproductive parameters.
• To assess the effect of supplemental biotin on sow fertility and productivity over multiple parities.
• To determine if commercial feed formulations require biotin enhancement for optimal sow reproductive potential.

Main Methods:

• Eighty sows were assigned to either a control diet (32 µg biotin/kg) or a supplemented diet (350 µg biotin/kg).
• Reproductive performance was monitored over four parities, including return to oestrus, conception rates, and anoestrus incidence.
• Annual productivity metrics, such as pigs weaned per sow per year and total weaner weight, were calculated.

Main Results:

• Sows receiving supplemental biotin returned to oestrus and conceived significantly sooner (2.9 and 6.1 days, respectively).
• Higher conception rates within 10 days of weaning and lower anoestrus treatment rates were observed in supplemented sows.
• Supplemental biotin increased annual productivity by 1.42 pigs/sow/year and 17.3 kg of weaner/sow/year.

Conclusions:

• Biotin supplementation demonstrably enhances sow reproductive efficiency and overall productivity.
• Current commercial feed formulations likely necessitate biotin supplementation for sows to achieve optimal reproductive outcomes.
• Ensuring adequate biotin intake is vital for maximizing the reproductive potential of breeding sows.