Effect of Supplemental Biotin on Reproductive Performance of Turkey Breeder Hens and its Effect on the Subsequent Progeny’s Performance

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONIT IS known that biotin is essential for reproduction and normal embryonic development in avian species (Cravens et al, 1942Cravens et al, 1944). Couch et al. (1948a) placed chicken hens on a low biotin diet and found that hatchability was reduced to zero by the end of the sixth week. The biotin content of deficient eggs was 28 p.p.b. of yolk and 2 p.p.b. for egg white on a wet weight basis. In another experiment, Couch et al. (1948b) demonstrated a failure of embryonic development when the yolk contained SO p.p.b. of biotin. Normal embryonic growth and development were supported by 150 p.p.b. of biotin.In recent studies, Jensen (1967) reported that egg production and hatchability were improved by biotin supplementation in diets of turkey breeder hens.The studies reported herein were conducted to determine the effect of supplemental biotin on reproductive performance of turkey breeder hens and to determine the…