ABSTRACT
Feed companies and veterinarians regularly use the organic iodide compound ethylenediamine dihydriodide (EDDI) as a feed additive for treatment of diseases. Although EDDI has been used for over 30 yr, documentation of its effectiveness is limited. Iodine in animals is the basic component in the thyroid hormones. The primary factor affecting the secretion of thyroxine is the uptake of iodine. Iodine is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted mainly in the urine. Over 90% of the administered iodine can be accounted for by thyroid uptake and urinary secretions. Field usage of EDDI, particularly for foot rot in cattle, reveals efficacy in the continuous use of 50 mg/ head/day and at treatment levels of 500 mg/head/day for 10 to 20 days. However, critical studies are needed on the use of EDDI at different levels under different conditions in the feedlot and(or) on pasture and in paddocks.
