Ronidazole-14C was administered to turkeys in diets containing 0.003-0.008% of drug. More than 80 % of administered radioactivity was excreted and 1-2% was exhaled as 14C02. Metabolites were 2hydroxymethyl-l-methyl-5-nitroimidazole in trace amounts. Also found were A-methylglycolamide, methylamine, and oxalic acid. Radioactivity in tissues was associated with a number of normal body metabolites, such as glutamic and aspartic acids and citric acid cycle intermediates. The presence of acetyl-14C was demonstrated in urine and liver tissue. Radioactive protein, nucleic acid, and lipid fractions were found in whole liver, leading to the conclusion that extensive biodegradation of ronidazole-14C allows the recombination of carbon-14 into body metabolites.