During the summer months, green fodder plays a vital role in maintaining livestock health. It not only provides essential energy and refreshment but also helps compensate for water shortages, a common issue in this season. Due to its high moisture content, green fodder helps animals cope with heat stress. However, the availability of fresh fodder often declines in the summer, posing challenges for farmers.
According to fodder experts, sorghum green fodder, which grows abundantly during this season, must be fed to animals with extra caution. If not handled properly, sorghum fodder can become harmful and even fatal to livestock. Therefore, farmers and livestock keepers need to be aware of certain crucial precautions.
Fodder scientists advise that sorghum is typically sown in March or April, but some farmers harvest it before 50 days of growth, which is not recommended. Early harvesting can result in the fodder being unfit or even toxic for consumption. Sorghum should always be cut after the 50-day mark to ensure safety for livestock.
It’s essential to maintain adequate irrigation when growing sorghum for fodder. A lack of moisture in the crop can lead to the formation of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) — a toxic compound. When HCN levels exceed 20 milligrams per 100 grams of fodder, it becomes dangerous, especially when the sorghum plant is between 3 to 5 feet tall. Consuming such fodder can damage an animal’s liver enzymes and lead to HCN accumulation in the body, which may result in death.
How to Prevent HCN Poisoning:
To minimize the risk of HCN toxicity, farmers can opt for new varieties of sorghum that are bred to produce significantly lower levels of hydrogen cyanide. These improved varieties are safer for animal consumption and allow farmers to make better use of their crops while ensuring animal health.
Farmers and livestock owners should follow these important guidelines to ensure their animals receive proper nutrition during the summer. Feeding green fodder the right way not only helps in maintaining livestock health but also boosts their productivity in the long run.
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