Studies on the Biotin Requirement of Broiler Breeders ,

The minimum requirement of biotin for maximum hatchability of eggs and livability of chicks was determined for broiler breeder hens maintained in individual cages. Groups of hens were fed casein-gelatin, glucose diets containing 20, 40, 60, 100, 180 and 340 μg. biotin/kg. of diet. The requirement was found to be approximately 100 μg. total biotin/kg. of diet for maximum hatchability and chick livability. The concentration of biotin found in the yolk was found to be related to the dietary level. The egg biotin level, which produced maximum hatchability and livability of chicks, corresponding to the estimated minimum requirement of 100 μg. biotin/kg. of diet was approximately 200 mμg. biotin/g. of yolk. A level of 50 mμg. biotin/g. of yolk, or lower, was found to produce zero hatchability.