If you have ever shopped for a hoof supplement before, then you are likely familiar with the ingredient Biotin. This vitamin has by far the most scientific evidence to support its effect on hoof growth and quality compared to other commonly used ingredients. But, did you know that there is a superior form of Biotin, that can be even more beneficial?
No hoof, no horse
Poor hoof condition is a common problem with many horses and ponies, and can be the result of a poor diet, their genetics, or the environment. Poor hoof health can have a knock-on impact on both performance and welfare, so it is important to ensure that horses receive the appropriate diet and regular farrier visits.
Whilst research has found that several nutrients contribute to healthy hoof growth, such as Copper and Zinc, it is Biotin that has gained the most attention as being a significantly important nutrient.
How does Biotin work?
Biotin is a B-vitamin (B7) that is heavily involved in keratin synthesis – keratin being the protein that makes up the hoof horn. Research has shown that Biotin can significantly increase horn growth rate and quality, as well as improve strength and hardness of the hoof.
One study found that horses fed Biotin for 5 months had as much as a 15% higher growth rate of hoof horn compared to horses not supplemented with Biotin. It is recommended that 30mg per day of Biotin is optimum to maintain healthy hoof growth and formation. Biotin is very safe, and, like other water soluble B-vitamins, excess is excreted in urine.
So, how is D-Biotin different?
Biotin is generally used as an umbrella term for the eight known Biotin isomers (isomers is essentially another word for 'forms'). D-Biotin is the only one that is biologically active and therefore more bioavailable. Bioavailability refers to the how much of a substance is taken up from the gut and into the bloodstream. For example, a substance with low bioavailability will be absorbed less by the hindgut, and more will be excreted. For substances with high bioavailability, increased absorption will occur, and more of the substance can be utilized in the body.
Because D-Biotin is the only biologically active isomer, feeding a hoof supplement that contains D-Biotin specifically, will be more effective than one which contains non-specified Biotin.
A high-specification nutrient like D-Biotin is able to help:
- Improve hoof horn condition
- Reduce cracking & splitting
- Decrease foot sensitivity
- Promote healthy skin and hair
It is important to remember, however, that hoof growth is a slow process and even when supplementing it can take 3-6 months for improvement to be visible.
Science Supplements 4Feet Plus+ delivers 75mg per day of bioavailable D-Biotin, as well as a range of other ingredients that have been proven to support hoof growth.
To find out more about our range of hoof supplements, click here.
Written by Anna Jones BSc (Hons) Equine Science - Customer Service Advisor
References
Josseck, H., W. Zenker, & H. Geyer. (1995). Hoof horn abnormalities in Lipizzaner horses and the effect of dietary biotin on macroscopic aspects of hoof horn quality. Equine Veterinary Journal 27(3):175-182.
Reilly, J. D., Cottrell, D. F., Martin, R. J., & Cuddeford, D. J. (1998). Effect of supplementary dietary biotin on hoof growth and hoof growth rate in ponies: A controlled trial. Equine Veterinary Journal, 30(S26), 51–57. doi:10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb05122.x