Effects of different levels of dietary biotin on the performance and bone structure of broilers

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of different levels of biotin on broilers performances and bone growth. Biotin was added at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μg/Kg to a corn and soybean diet for yellow skin broiler production during the whole production cycle. Biotin at dosages of 200, 300, 400 μg/Kg increased growth rate, and, regardless of dosage, feed conversion rate in the second and third period of growth. Femur and tibiotarsus volume was slightly reduced while the bone mineral content of the same bones showed an increase as a result of biotin supplementation. Any particular dose-response effect was recorded with regard to plasma mineral content and ALP activity.

Keywords

• Broiler, Biotin, Mineral bone density.