Introduction to Major Field Crops

Sorghum Poisoning

Young plants (30-40 days stage) contain cynogenicglucoside ‘Dhurrin’. Dhurrin in the stomach of animals is converted into hydrocyanic acid. Thus, when young plants (about 5kg) of sorghum are fed to animals, it causes carcinogenic death of cow. This is known as ‘prussic acid poisoning’ or ‘sorghum poisoning’. HCN content is more in leaves. Concentration of HCN is more in morning, and in summer. The toxic limit of HCN is 200 ppm and concentration decreases after 50 days. To overcome this problem, avoid feeding sorghum before 50 days stage. Hay and silage are generally free of HCN.

As first aid treatment affected animals may be given intravenous injection of Sodium thiosulphate to restore capability of oxygen transport of blood. Two full drenches of molasses may be given to provide extra energy to animals.