By Andi Anderson
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a groundbreaking prussic acid-free sorghum technology that improves both crop safety and animal health.
This innovative sorghum, free from the toxic compound prussic acid, has been shown to be not only safer but also more appealing to livestock, particularly grazing ewes.
The research, led by Mitch Tuinstra, a professor of plant breeding and genetics at Purdue, demonstrates the significant benefits this technology can bring to farmers concerned about the risks associated with traditional sorghum.
Sorghum is well-known for its resilience to heat and drought, making it a valuable forage crop. However, the presence of prussic acid, a toxic substance that can be harmful to livestock, has limited its use.
Tuinstra's team developed a prussic acid-free variant of sorghum in 2001, which was patented in 2016. Recent research, featured in the June 2024 issue of Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management, confirms that this new sorghum variety is more palatable to animals.
The study showed that ewes preferred the prussic acid-free hybrid over conventional sorghum, selectively grazing on it even in mixed fields.
This technology is poised to transform livestock feeding practices, particularly in regions facing increasing drought and high temperatures. By reducing the toxicity risk, farmers can provide high-quality forage without compromising animal health. The prussic acid-free sorghum has performed well in trials, matching conventional hybrids in forage accumulation and nutritional value.
The commercialization of this technology is being spearheaded by Ag Alumni Seed, a Purdue affiliate, which funded the development and testing of prototype varieties.
The technology is now licensed to S&W Seed Co., where further testing is underway. Seed distribution is expected to begin widely in 2025, with strong demand anticipated from farmers in the U.S. and abroad.
The new sorghum's appeal is further underscored by anecdotal evidence from test fields, where jackrabbits consistently favored the prussic acid-free variety over traditional sorghum. This behavior mirrored the preferences observed in the formal palatability studies with sheep, reinforcing the value of this innovation.
As climate change drives the need for more resilient crops, Purdue's prussic acid-free sorghum could become an essential resource for farmers worldwide.
With over 40 million hectares of sorghum grown globally, this technology holds significant potential for enhancing livestock safety and improving forage quality across diverse agricultural landscapes.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, Education, General