By Scout Nelson
As fall ushers in, fluctuating temperatures across farming regions pose a threat to sorghum plants. Stress from these changes can cause the release of prussic acid, hazardous for cattle. James Rogers, a specialist from North Dakota State University, highlights that stressed sorghum releases this acid, particularly found in new, rapidly growing leaf tissue. The danger lies in cattle grazing on these affected plants.
When cattle consume prussic acid, it hinders the cells from getting oxygen. A minor frost can halt the growth of the plant, but not destroy it entirely. This can lead to new shoots, rich in prussic acid. Karl Hoppe, another expert, stresses the importance of monitoring grazing after frost warnings. He advises farmers to wait until the sorghum fully dries down after a killing frost before allowing cattle to graze.
Interestingly, when sorghum plants are processed for hay, any existing prussic acid vanishes as the hay dries. The ensiling process also sees this acid dissipate. Rogers advises waiting three weeks post-ensiling before feeding the ensiled sorghum to cattle, ensuring the acid is no longer present.
Another fall challenge is the increased nitrate accumulation in sorghum. Unlike prussic acid, drying doesn’t remove high nitrate levels. Ensiling might cut levels by half, but testing is crucial to ensure safety. Ranchers should be proactive about testing and managing their crops accordingly.
For a successful fall season, farmers should avoid grazing sorghums after light frosts, wait for the prussic acid to dissipate after a killing frost, never let hungry cattle graze on sorghums, and consider the benefits of harvesting sorghum as hay or silage.
Rogers emphasizes the importance of awareness. Fall, while beautiful, can stress sorghum, leading to health concerns for livestock. Proper management can help navigate these challenges.
Photo Credit: istock-mailson-pignata
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Sorghum, Livestock