Guide Information

Animal Health | Feed to Food

If you are new and beginner of vitamin below content may be useful for you, all are based on Fefana Publication Vitamins in Animal Nutrition

BIOTIN
Introduction	Biotin is classified as a vitamin from the B-complex, therefore it is water soluble. It will be found in plants in a free chemical form, in organisms bound to lysine residues which are connected to proteins. Biotin has three asymmetric centres. From 8 stereoisomers only (3aS,4S,6aR), D-(+)-biotin has full biological activity as vitamin.
Chemical formula	C10H16N2O3S
Classification	Water-soluble
Molecular weight	244,31 g/mol
Alternative names	Vitamin B7 Coenzyme R Vitamin H IUPAC: 5-[(3aS,4S,6aR)-2-oxohexahydro-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazol-4-yl] pentanoic acid
CAS No.	58-85-5
Key natural sources	Key natural sources
Biological functions	Biotin is required as a co-enzyme for the production of a number of carboxylases. These biotin-dependent enzymes play an important role in several metabolic processes: fatty acid synthesis; gluconeogenesis; propionic acid metabolism; decomposition of leucine; synthesis of DNA and RNA (via purine synthesis).
Benefits to the animal	Improved immune response. Stabilization of tissue and fat in animal products. Preparation for pregnancy and maintaining integrity and optimal function of the reproductive organs.
Signs of deficiency	Various symptoms occur according to the severity and duration of the deficiency: Common: retarded growth and fertility disorders. Poultry: poor plumage, inflammatory lesions of beak, legs and toes, fatty liver and kidney syndrome (FLKS). Pigs: hair loss, inflammation of the hooves and hoof-sole lesions. Cattle, sheep and horses: brittle horns and grooves and cracks in hooves.
Tolerance to high intake	No evidence on adverse effects on animals by high levels of oral intake.
Analytical methods	EURL evaluation report 2011, CRL/100012: In feed additive: Potentiometric titration assay and optical rotation identification: PhEur 6th ed. method 01/2008:1073. In preparations, premixtures and feed: RP-HPLC-MS/MS.
Antagonists	Avidin in raw egg white.
FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
Common commercial forms	Biotin pure substance Biotin 1% Biotin 2% Biotin 10%
Common physical parameters	White or almost white powder. Adsorbate powders. Spray dried coated powders for water dispersible products.
Stability under ambient conditions	Stability in feed and premixtures: 6 months minimum. Stability in manufactured form: up to 2 years.
RECOMMENDED USAGE The unit used is mainly mg/Kg air-dry, unless differently indicated. For ruminants and horses the tables refers to animal (head) per day. Average weight for foals: 250 Kg. Average weight for horses: 550 Kg.
POULTRY	mg/kg
Broilers starter	0.2-0.4
Broilers grower-finisher	0.2-0.3
Broiler breeders	0.2-0.4
Laying hens	0.1-0.15
Turkey starter	0.25-0.4
Turkey grower	0.25-0.3
Turkey finisher	0.2-0.25
Turkey breeder	0.4-0.6
Ducks / geese	0.1-0.15
Partridges / quails	0.15-0.25
SWINE	mg/kg
Piglets pre-starter	0.2-0.4
Piglets starter	0.2-0.4
Grower	0.15-0.3
Finisher	0.1-0.2
Gilts	0.3-0.5
Sows	0.5-0.8
Boars	0.5-0.8
RUMINANTS AND HORSES	mg/head/d
Dairy cows	20
Beef cattle	10-20
Calves	0.05-0.1
Heifers	0.05-0.1
Beef cows	20
Breeding bulls	20
Sheep and goats	5
Foals	2-3
Leisure horses	15-20
Race & breeding horses	15-20

FOLIC ACID
Introduction	Folates occur naturally in several sources of human and animal food. Folates and folic acid derive their names from the Latin word folium (which means «leaf»). Leafy vegetables are a principal source as well as fresh vegetables, mushrooms and yeast, grasses and citrus fruit. Among foods of animal origin, liver and eggs, and especially egg yolk, are considered a good source. Vitamin B9 (folic acid and folate) is essential to numerous functions in the body.
Chemical formula	C19H19N7O6
Classification	Water-soluble
Molecular weight	441,4 g/mol
Alternative names	Vitamin B9 IUPAC: (2S)-2-[[4-[[(2-amino-4-oxo-1,4-dihydropteridin-6-yl)methyl]amino] benzoyl]amino]pentanedioic acid
CAS No.	59-30-3
Key natural sources	Folic acid (pteroylglutamic acid) is a generic term for various compounds, also known collectively as folates. The biologically active form of folic acid is tetrahydrofolic acid. Folates are found in feed of both plant and animal origin. Folate-rich feedstuffs are lucerne green meal and brewer´s yeast. Folate-poor feedstuffs are tapioca and cereal
Biological functions	Folic acid is a member of the vitamin B family that stimulates the hematopoietic system. Folic acid is used in the treatment and prevention of folate deficiencies and megaloblastic anemia. Folic acid in the form of tetrahydrofolic acid is biologically active as a co-enzyme, with the following metabolic functions: • Transfer of specific C1 units (methyl and formyl groups), which are important for cell growth, cell division and cell differentiation in the metabolism of proteins and of DNA and RNA. • Together with vitamin B12, it converts homocysteine into methionine.
Benefits to the animal	Increased antibody production
Signs of deficiency	Common: macrocytic anaemia; damage to the skin and mucous membranes. Poultry: disorders of growth; bad plumage and depigmentation; Perosis: increased embryo mortality; reduced hatchability and laying performance. Pigs: hair loss and fertility disorders. Cattle: fertility disorders.
Tolerance to high intake	No evidence on adverse effects on animals by high levels of oral intake.
Analytical methods	EURL evaluation report 2011, CRL/100012: In feed additive: EURL evaluation report 2011, CRL 100007: In feed additive: Liquid Chromatography coupled to UV detection LC-UV, PhEur 6th ed. 01/2008: 0067. In premixtures: RP-HPLC-UV. In feed and water: Total folates (including added folic acid: microbiological assay based on CEN-ring trial validated method EN 14131.
Antagonists	Sulphonamides and aflatoxins in feed and in drugs to inhibit intestinal microflora
FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS
Common commercial forms	Folic acid min 96% on anhydrous basis. Folic acid 80% spray-dried on a carrier.
Common physical parameters	Yellowish to orange, crystalline powder.
Stability under ambient conditions	Stability in manufactured form: 24 months minimum.