Vitamin H (biotin)

Vitamin H, more commonly known as biotin, belongs to the group of water-soluble vitamins and plays a vital role in numerous metabolic processes within animal bodies. It is of significant importance for growth and participates in various metabolic reactions, acting as a cofactor for a range of enzymes.

Functions of Biotin in the Body

Biotin is an integral part of several enzymes that catalyze important biochemical reactions:

• Carbohydrate metabolism: Biotin is necessary for the efficient utilization of carbohydrates, aiding in the conversion of glucose into energy.
• Purine synthesis: It plays a role in the synthesis of purines, which are components of DNA and RNA.
• Cholesterol and nucleic acid metabolism: Biotin participates in the metabolism of cholesterol, essential for steroid hormone synthesis and cell membranes, as well as in nucleic acid metabolism.
• Tryptophan breakdown and amino acid deamination: These processes are important for detoxification and protein metabolism.
• Immunity development: Biotin plays a significant role in developing immunity against infectious diseases, strengthening the body’s defenses.

Furthermore, biotin is closely interconnected with other B-group vitamins, such as Vitamins B6, B12, C, as well as folic and pantothenic acids, highlighting their synergistic action in maintaining optimal health.

Consequences of Biotin Deficiency

A characteristic feature of biotin deficiency is a reduction in metabolic capabilities in carboxylation reactions. This leads to alterations in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, primarily resulting in decreased growth rates in animals.

• For ruminants, the amounts of biotin present in feed and synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract are generally sufficient.
• However, for pigs, and especially for piglets, these amounts are often insufficient. Pigs suffering from biotin deficiency experience hoof inflammation and skin ulcers.
• In poultry, biotin deficiency manifests as poor feathering, dermatitis, loss of appetite, reduced hatchability and egg production, and the development of “fatty” liver and kidney syndrome.
• The biotin requirement increases with cage housing of poultry due to increased stress and possibly reduced access to natural sources.
• Additional amounts of biotin may be required when treating animals with antibiotics, as antibiotics can disrupt biotin synthesis by gut microflora.

Feed Grade Vitamin H: Composition and Application

Feed grade Vitamin H contains D-biotin as the active ingredient, at a concentration of 1.7-2.3%. It appears as a white or almost white powder.

Feed grade Vitamin H is intended for the production of premixes and compound feeds for farm animals, including poultry and fish, to ensure they receive sufficient amounts of this important vitamin. It is incorporated into premixes at premix factories (according to the formulation), and directly into feeds and compound feeds at feed mills and on-farm feed preparation units, using existing mixing technologies for uniform distribution.

Active ingredient: d-biotin.

Content — 1.7–2.3 %.