C.A. Zimmerly and W.P. Weiss1
The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences
Abstract
This study determined the effects of supplemental dietary biotin on performance of Holstein cows in early lactation. Treatments were 0, 10, and 20 mg of supplemental biotin/day. Cows (15 per treatment) started the experiment 14 days prior to expected calving date and remained on the experiment until 100 days in milk (DIM). Dry matter intake during lactation was not different among treatments (20.0 kg/day). Milk production averaged 36.9, 37.8, and 39.7 kg/day for 0, 10, and 20 mg of supplemental biotin/day, respectively (linear effect, P < 0.05). Percent fat and protein and fat yield were not different across treatments. Protein yield averaged 1.11, 1.13, and 1.18 kg/day for 0, 10, and 20 mg of supplemental biotin/day, respectively (linear effect, P < 0.03). Plasma biotin concentrations were much higher at calving than at other time points for cows supplemented with biotin and biotin supplementation linearly increased plasma biotin concentrations at all times points. Colostrum and milk concentrations were increased linearly with biotin supplementation. The findings from this study indicate that biotin supplementation can increase milk production in high producing Holstein cows in early lactation.