Kerala: Scientists reject toxic tapioca theory in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Scientists at the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute rejected veterinary experts’ findings that the cause of death of 13 cows at a farm near Thodupuzha was consumption of toxic tapioca hulls. According to them, the chances of death are comparatively very less in cows eating tapioca leaves or hulls for a long time. However, he also said that it could be fatal if given in large quantities to a calf for the first time. Scientists said that before the autopsy report came, veterinary experts made statements that were not based on scientific facts. “It is hydrogen cyanide that acts as a poison in tapioca,” ER Harish, senior scientist at the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, told TNIE. “Therefore it is advised that the leaves and peels should be left in the sun for some time before giving them to the cows. When cells within the plant break down, two chemicals, cyanogen and linamarin, are formed. They combine with linamarase enzymes to form acetone cyanohydrin. In the presence of another enzyme hydroxynitrile lyase it splits and forms hydrogen cyanide and acetone. The cyanide vaporizes when the leaves or hulls are left in the sun,” the scientists also say, adding that there is a possibility of cows contracting the bacterial infection through their food.