Biotin is well known for its use in hoof development in several animal species. Poor hooves can lead to laminitis, lameness, and subsequent losses in milk production.

While naturally occurring in many feeds, it is not always readily available to be used, so there are periods when supplementing is beneficial, especially the high stress calving and early lactation period.

Calving and early lactation places exceptional stress on an animal, lowering the immune defences. Changes in diet can lead to changes in the rumen, precipitating acidosis which has been shown to result in laminitis. If there are also wet conditions then this can lead to softer hoof tissue, which coupled with sometimes longer walking distances, can lead to severe animal health problems.

Trials have shown that cows treated with 20mg Biotin/day over this period had higher locomotion scores and lower Somatic Cell Counts. Evidence suggests that, due to improved glucose synthesis and fibre digestion there are increases in milk production independent of hoof health.