Effect of a Synthetic Chelating Agent upon Forage Intake and Ruminal Fermentation in Lambs

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Abstract
A series of experiments was conducted to study the effects of a synthetic organic chelating agent, ethylenediamine di-orthohydroxy-phenyl acetic acid (EDDHA), upon forage intake and ruminal fermentation in lambs receiving alfalfa soilage, alfalfa hay and grazing alfalfa pasture. Trials were also conducted to determine the routes of EDDHA in the rumen. In all trials, regardless of the feeding regimen or the method of administration of the chelate, 1.25 gm. of EDDHA caused a marked reduction in forage intake and a severe depression in total intraruminal VFA production. There was no apparent change in the molar percents of the individuals VFA's. In vitro studies indicated that EDDHA exerted a bacteriostatic effect upon rumen microorganisms. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that 25% of EDDHA was degraded and 29% passed into the abomasum within 1 hr. after its introduction into the rumen. The remaining 46% of the chelate remained in the rumen for the first hour. All EDDHA-treated lambs demonstrated distress symptoms within 1 week after initially receiving the chelate. Several lambs died of toxicity. Copyright © 1967. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1967 by American Society of Animal Science

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