ANN-0097
QUESTION
Identify the chelate which interfere with utilization of essential cations:
(a) Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
(b) Cytochrome enzyme
(c) Haemoglobin
(d) Oxalic acid calcium
OPTIONS
(A) (a) only
(B) (b) and (c)
(C) (c) and (d)
(D) (d) only
ANSWER
(D) (d) only
EXPLANATION
Oxalic acid is an antinutritional factor that binds calcium ions to form insoluble calcium oxalate, thereby reducing calcium absorption and utilization in animals. This is particularly important in animals consuming oxalate-rich forages, where excessive oxalate intake may contribute to calcium deficiency and hypocalcemia. However, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is also a potent chelating agent that forms stable complexes with essential mineral cations, including calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper, potentially interfering with their bioavailability. Therefore, although option (D) is the supplied answer key, the question is scientifically ambiguous because both EDTA and oxalic acid can interfere with essential cation utilization.