Semi quantitative estimation of prussic acid (HCN) in some fodder plants of Nanded district of Maharashtra state

Abstract

Cyanide poisoning in cattle’s may occur due to grazing of cyanogenic plants. HCN is known to occur in at least 2700 plants in the world in the form of cyanogenic glycosides. It is produced after enzymatic hydrolysis of the cyanogenic glycoside. It is considered to be a defence mechanism of plants against pests and its production in plants depends on number of ecological and physiological conditions. In the present study HCN content in 13 fodder plants from 7 families were analyzed. The semi quantitative estimation of HCN is done with the help of a simple kit. 12 fodder plants were tested positive for HCN.