The distribution of cyanide in 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 a period of 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. The study revealed that the accumulation and distribution of CN- 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,while the ileum had the highest concentration in birds treated with CN- directly also irrespective of the mode or dose of exposure the kidney had the highest CN- level. Cyanide concentration was also found to be significantly higher in the serum, sections of the digestive tract and organs of birds given cyanide directly compared with those given cyanide contaminated feed.
