Relationship of 2,5-Diamino-4,6-diketopyrimidine, 2,4-Diaminobutyric Acid and a Crude Preparation of β-Cyano-L-Alanine to the Toxicity of Common and Hairy Vetch Seed Fed to Chicks

Abstract

Two experiments involving the feeding of 2,5-diamino-4,6-diketopyrimidine (DDP), 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DBA), a crude 30% ethanol-soluble preparation representing β-cyano-L-alanine (BCA) prepared from common vetch seed (CVS), a similarly prepared fraction of hairy vetch seed (HVS) and 30% of CVS and HVS per se were conducted with chicks up to 4 weeks of age. Complete mortality occurred with 30% of CVS and a crude fraction (of BCA) equivalent to 90 % of CVS. DBA (1.0%) resulted in considerable incidence of crooked toes as well as some symptoms of odoratism and blindness coupled with some mortality. Levels of DDP (0.15 and 1.0%), DBA (0.3%), 30% of HVS and a fraction equivalent to 90% of HVS had no effect on mortality. Body weights were significantly (P < 0.05) depressed by 30% of CVS (at 13 days), 1.0% of DBA, 30% of HVS and a fraction thereof. The relationship between these various effects is discussed.