The Distribution of Thiocyanatein the Serum, Sections of the Digestive Tract and some Organs of Domestic Chicken (Gallus domestic) Given Different Concentration of Cyanide Directly and in their Feed

Abstract

The distribution pattern of thiocyanate a metabolic product of cyanide detoxification was examined in the oesophagus, crop, proventriculus , ileum , duodenum , large intestine ,gizzard, caeca and cloaca (sections of the digestive tract) as well as in the serum, liver, kidney heart and brain of the  domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus) given different doses (1, 2 and 3 mg kg^-1 body weight of cyanide) directly (by gavage) and in the diet for different time period (4, 8 and 12 weeks) was investigated in this study. A total of eighty four-day old birds were used for this experiment.  The chicks were divided into seven groups of twelve birds each: Group I- normal control, Group II, III and IV - received 1, 2 and 3 mg CN kg^-1b.w. as Sodium cyanide (NaCN) directly respectively, while Group V, VI and VII received 1, 2 and 3 mg CN kg^-1b.w. as NaCN in their feed respectively. Thiocyanate concentration in the tissues was determined by Essers method. The study revealed that the accumulation and distribution of CN^- and Thiocyanate in the organs and sections of the digestive tract was influenced by time and mode of exposure.  Irrespective of the duration of exposure, the duodenum had the highest concentration of cyanide, in birds offered cyanide in their diet, conversely after 12weeks the ileum had the highest concentration in birds treated with CN^- directly.  Irrespective of the mode or duration of exposure also, the cloaca had the highest concentration of Thiocyanate as compared to other sections of the digestive tract of the bird. In addition at each concentration of exposure, the level of cyanide in the organs decreased after 12 weeks of exposure and irrespective of the mode or dose of exposure, the kidney had the highest CN^- level, while the liver had the highest Thiocyanate level.  Thiocyanate concentration was also found to be significantly higher in the serum, sections of the digestive tract and organs of those given cyanide directly compared with those given cyanide contaminated feed.

Keywords: Cyanide, Thiocyanate, domestic chicken, digestive tract