Canadian Journal of Pure & Applied Sciences

Abstract: The potentials of cassava as animal feed and its toxicity implications were investigated in rabbits, using spectrophotometeric and enzymatic methods. Two groups of rabbits were maintained on cassava diets containing 110.93mg CN 100g-1(for high cyanide group) and 44.03mg (for low cyanide group) with protein supplement in the form of vitamin-free caesin for 28days. Analysis of the biochemical indicators of cyanide toxicity along the stomach, small intestine, as well as in the urine and serum of animals was carried out. The levels of total cyanide in their urine ranged between 2.08± 0.34-5.0 ± 0.72 ?g/ml. The amount of thiocyanate measured in the serum and urine of these animals were 2.70± 74- 3.47± 0.21 and 5.01 ± 0.72- 10.20± 0.91 ?g/ml respectively. The serum total protein was found to be within normal value, while the albumin levels were very low 2.63 ± 1.3- 2.82 ± 1.7 g/dl. Assay of some clinical important enzymes indicated increases in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) by 41.7% and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by 33.3% above normal (for high cyanide group) but within normal range for the other group and control. Alkaline phosphatase activity and bilirubin levels in all the groups were within normal range. Significant elevation in blood glucose of the two groups of rabbits was also observed. These results indicate exposure of the animals to cyanide poisoning resulting from ingestion of cassava diets containing substantial amount of cyanide. The toxicological implications of these findings are discussed.