Effects of 4,4'-dimethyldiphenyliodonium chloride on performance of growing cattle

Two 112-d studies were conducted to evaluate effects of the deaminase inhibitor, 4,4'-dimethyldiphenyliodonium chloride, on performance of growing cattle. With diets containing low levels of crude protein (i.e., 11%), 25 ppm of chemical in the diet increased (P less than .05) gain and improved (P less than .05) feed efficiency. Feed intake was not affected. Higher levels of chemical (50 and 100 ppm) produced equivalent responses. With a higher level of dietary crude protein (i.e., 14%) gain and feed efficiency were not improved and some decreases in feed intake were observed. Performance responses resulting from adjustments in ruminal nitrogen transactions to provide more alpha-amino-N depend upon whether the animal needs additional amino acids for maintenance and production. Our data demonstrated that the supply of amino acids can be increased either by adjustment of ruminal nitrogen transactions with a chemical agent or by increasing concentration of dietary protein.