The Influence of Experimental Biotin Deficiency on the Morphology and Histochemistry of Skin and Claws in Pigs

In this 1984 study, researchers investigated the effects of biotin deficiency on the skin and claws of piglets weaned at 3 weeks. The deficiency was induced by feeding diets containing 1, 2, 4, or 8% egg white. Severe symptoms, such as significant hair loss and brittle, crusty horn on the claws, were most pronounced in piglets receiving higher egg white levels (4% and 8%). Histological analysis revealed necrosis in the stratum corneum of the skin and claws, with reduced or absent ATP-ase activity in the stratum spinosum. The study concluded that biotin is crucial for maintaining a healthy and resilient epidermis, as evidenced by the consistent occurrence of epidermal necrosis in biotin-deficient conditions.