Biotin Supplementation in HorsesHistory of BiotinHorses throughout history have been negatively affected by poor hoof quality. Equestrians around the world aim to solve the mystery of changing hoof quality in a horse's diet. The horse's hoof plays a vital role in its overall performance and usability. A horse that cannot perform or be used because its hooves are too sensitive to walk on gravel, cannot hold the shoes necessary for a show, or cannot support the overall weight and the necessary function is of no value for a horse. owner. When equine nutritionists began researching how to solve this problem, they quickly discovered the overall importance of this vitamin called biotin (Comben et al., 1984). In previous years, nutritionists had noted positive results with biotin supplementation in pigs (Comben et al., 1984). Biotin Deficiency Symptoms There are many biotin deficiency symptoms that have been documented throughout history. Among the faults/problems seen with this deficiency, there is usually a combination of symptoms that can be modified by the additional consumption of biotin. Some of these symptoms include (but are not limited to) tenderness, poor growth, large flat feet, sagging heels, frequent shoe loss, cracking in nail holes, lameness, crumbling, and navicular disease (Kempson, 1990). Different aspects believed to have played an additional role in these symptoms may be attributed to management, environment and genetics rather than a deficiency (Reilly, 1995). Early Research, Treatments, and Results Early research involving biotin began in the area of ​​pig production. (Comben et al., 1984). Positive results have been documented in numerous research studies involving a...... middle of article......27:494-498.Comben, N., Clark, RJ, and DJB Sutherland. 1984. Clinical observations on the response of equine hoof malformations to dietary biotin supplementation. Veterinarian. Save. 115:642-645. Hintz, HF 1987. Biotin. Equine practice. 9 (9):4-5. Reilly, JD, Cottrell, DF, Martin, RJ and DJ Cuddeford. 1998. Effect of supplemental dietary biotin on hoof growth and hoof growth rate in ponies: a controlled trial. Equine veterinarian. J. 26:51-57.Cuddeford, D. 1991. Equine hoof defects answer to the farrier's formula. Veterinarian. Save. 128 (5): 115-116. Kempson, S.A. 1987. Scanning electron microscope observations of horse hooves with brittle feet. Veterinarian. Save. 120:568-570. Putnam, ME 1986. The role of vitamins in the nutrition of performance horses. Modern veterinarian. Practical. 67 (2):121-124.Reilly, JD 1995. No hoof, no horse. Equine veterinarian. J.. 27 (3):166-168.