title: Effect of dietary biotin supplement on equine hoof horn growth rate and hardness.
abstract: Over a 10-month period, 24 randomly selected riding horses were fed various amounts of biotin. Statistically significant improvements in growth rates and hardness of hooves were produced by biotin supplementation. Greater growth rates and hardness were achieved at a daily dose of 15 mg than at 7.5 mg. Increased hoof hardness was greatest in the hoof quarters and toe. No ring formation occurred in hooves of horses fed biotin intermittently.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Onderstepoort, Republic of South Africa.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Buffa
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Van Den Berg
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Verstraete
authors.forename: N G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Swart
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001710:Biotin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D006736:Horses / Q000254:growth & development*
chemical_list: D001710:Biotin