Biotin
What is Biotin & how does it work? Biotin is the most commonly recommended dietary supplement in horses for improved hoof quality, and for good reason. Research on the vitamin began in the 1980’s and we’re still learning more about the vitamin today. Like many other beneficial vitamins such as thiamin & riboflavin, Biotin is a B-Vitamin and is found in virtually every cell of the body. While it takes on many rolls (conversion of feed to energy, reproductive health, nervous system stability) its most important roll is in keratinization. The hoof horn is made up of keratinized cells arranged spirally to form long tubules that run from the coronary band to the end of the toe. As the cells thicken around the tubules, the hoof horn becomes more resilient to damage.
Where does Biotin come from? Biotin is found naturally in most horse feed ingredients including oats, soybean meal, alfalfa, rice bran, and molasses. However, horses derive most of their biotin requirement from the fermentation of forage that occurs in their hind gut, where it is unfortunately poorly absorbed, but enough to maintain the bodies basic needs. Vitamins are absorbed better in the foregut of the horse which is the reason Biotin is added to most high quality feeds.
Why would my horse need additional Biotin? Research has found that horses with poor quality hoof wall have normal levels of Biotin in their blood. When these horses were supplemented with larger “mega-doses” of Biotin, their hoof wall quality improved leading to the conclusion that when it comes to Biotin supplementation: Bigger is better.
How much should I give? In general, 15-20 mg of Biotin per 1000lb of body weight is sufficient to improve and maintain hoof quality. For horses with chronic (long term) hoof problems there is a wide dosing range from 30 mg to 100 mg per day depending on severity.
How long should my horse be on Biotin? This depends on the problems being treated/addressed. Biotin can only improve the new hoof wall growth, not correct existing hoof wall. It generally takes between 8-15 months for a new hoofwall to grow from the coronary band and replace itself, however, the sole/frog can grow more rapidly in as little as 4-6 weeks. Minor cases can benefit from high dosing (50 mg +) for 30 days, then decrease to a maintenance dose of at least 15mg per day. More severe hoof problems maybe on higher doses for 8-15 months or longer. Biotin has been found to increase the rate of growth in some horses, however, there are a variety of factors such as hoof mechanics and endocrine disease.
Which supplement should I buy? There are a wide variety of supplements available on the market. Since there are no government controls on the manufacture of equine supplements, it is important to buy from a reputable dealer to guarantee that the amount promised on the label is indeed in the product. Also keep in mind the shelf life of most Biotin supplements is 6 months due to the vitamin breaking down in fats & oils that are added. Other nutrients such as zinc, methionine, and iodine can also affect hoof quality. A well-balanced supplement will contain all of these nutrients in addition to the 20 mg per serving of biotin.
If you have any questions about hoof supplements or concerns about your horses feet, please call our office at (918) 800-3042 to schedule an appointment!
- Dr. Sara Miller