Livestock show preference for Purdue sorghum variety, research shows

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University researchers have developed a new sorghum trait that is safe for livestock and preferred by animals.

Sorghum is popular for its ability to withstand heat and drought, but the traditional plant can produce prussic acid, which is poisonous to animals.

The new trait, developed by Purdue’s Mitch Tuinstra and his team, is free of this toxin, making it a safer option for farmers. Research shows that ewes prefer grazing on this new sorghum compared to regular varieties.

Ag Alumni Seed was brought in to explore the potential commercialization of the sorghum.

“I thought this was a groundbreaking idea,” said Jay Hulbert, president and CEO of Ag Alumni Seed. “The worst thing in the world for somebody in animal agriculture is to do something that causes harm to their animals.

“In parts of the U.S. where drought and high temperatures are becoming more and more of a problem, this could enhance the ability of farmers to provide high-quality feed for their livestock.”

The prussic acid-free variety performs as well as conventional sorghum in the field, studies show.

The seeds were licensed to S&W Seed Co, where testing is underway on sorghum hybrids that incorporate the trait.

The company plans to add further improvements like insect and disease resistance, as well.

The seed will be widely available in 2025.