Cattle died within 15-30 minutes after grazing in a field of planted sorghum that had undergone very poor growth due to severe drought.
Sorghum is a plant that contains cyanogenic glucosides (durrin), which reach toxic levels especially in the early growth stages (height under 50 cm), in regrowth shoots, and under particular stress conditions, such as water scarcity, trampling, and disease. Once ingested, through an enzymatic reaction the plant releases hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid) in the rumen, triggering a hyperacute course of intoxication.
Its use for grazing is therefore not recommended, and mowing is advisable once it reaches a height of at least 60-70 cm.
The presence of elevated nitrite-nitrate levels can worsen the toxic effect on animals.
