A recent study conducted at Purdue University’s Animal Sciences Research and Education Center confirms that ewes preferentially graze on a sorghum hybrid that is free of prussic acid, a toxic substance found in conventional sorghum varieties. This new sorghum technology, developed by a research team led by Mitch Tuinstra, not only improves animal safety but also enhances palatability.
Sorghum is known for its resilience to heat and drought, making it a valuable forage crop. However, the presence of dhurrin in conventional sorghum poses a risk to livestock due to its conversion to prussic acid. The prussic acid-free sorghum developed by Tuinstra’s team eliminates this risk, providing farmers with a safer option for feeding their animals.
The research, featured in Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management, shows that ewes displayed a preference for grazing on the prussic acid-free hybrid over traditional sorghum varieties. This finding, along with positive results from drone measurements and forage mass analysis, indicates the potential of this technology for widespread adoption in the agricultural industry.
The development of prussic acid-free sorghum has been made possible through collaborations with industry partners such as Ag Alumni Seed and S&W Seed Co. Ag Alumni Seed has funded efforts to test and refine prototype varieties, while S&W Seed Co. is currently testing sorghum hybrids that incorporate this trait. The availability of these seeds in 2025 is expected to generate high demand among growers both domestically and internationally.
The impact of Purdue University’s research extends beyond Indiana, with the potential to benefit sorghum producers worldwide. The prussic acid-free sorghum will be showcased at Purdue’s Agronomy Center for Research and Education’s 75th-anniversary celebration, highlighting the university’s commitment to innovation and excellence in agriculture.
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