In the quiet villages of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a familiar agricultural rhythm returns each season, when the rural farming communities prepare their fields to sow maize alongside a grass-like fodder locally known as khanjaray. Identified as Sudan grass, this humble crop has long earned the trust of farmers for its rapid growth and generous yield. In its early stages, it even resembles young maize – green, tender, and full of promise – making it a popular choice for feeding livestock when other fodder is scarce.
Belonging to the sorghum family, this livestock feed with Sudan Grass is widely praised for its palatability and productivity, offering what seems like a simple answer to the ever-present challenge of animal feed. For generations, it has stood as a dependable ally in sustaining cattle, goats, and buffaloes through lean periods. Yet, as with many of nature’s gifts, this one carries a hidden edge.
Beneath the surface of these lush green fields lies a lesser-known truth – one with potentially severe consequences. Livestock feed with Sudan grass can pose serious, even fatal, risks to animals if not managed with care. What appears to be nourishing fodder may, under certain conditions, turn into a silent threat – one that many farmers only discover after the damage is already done.
A Tragic Incident Showing The Hidden Dangers of Livestock Feed With Sudan Grass?
The green fodder that is considered a nutritious and safe crop in mature form may become toxic, and the animals that eat it suffer terribly – sometimes leading to their painful death, if mishandled. Recently a fatal incident happened in our area, Swat Valley, when several cows had been let loose to graze on a field where khanjaray was still immature. They fed on it and after some time, the once-healthy animals were thrashing helplessly, and dying in agony – like a fish flung onto dry land, gasping for breath.
Their stomachs swelled like balloons, as they rolled on the ground, staggered, moaned, and struggled in unbearable pain. Families gathered in panic, trying every traditional remedy they knew, but their condition worsened. The suffering was so severe that the owners had no choice other than to slaughter the animals to relieve their pain.
The video of one cow, lying helplessly on the earth, clearly captures the tragedy. The cause, the farmers said, was clear – the cows had eaten not-fully-grown khanjaray. One of them lay on the ground, its body stretched tight, eyes wide with pain. It could neither eat nor regurgitate. “It’s like a balloon inside them,” one farmer said, watching helplessly.
In desperation, the owners were forced to slaughter their beloved animals to end their misery. It was not an isolated accident but a preventable tragedy caused by lack of awareness.
The following video shows a cow suffering from severe bloating after consuming immature Sudan Grass. This may be distressing to some viewers. Please proceed with caution.
Why the Farmers Sow Sorghum Sudanese or Khanjaray with Maiz
Locally known as Khanjaray, the Sudan Grass is a fast-growing green fodder for livestock, mostly sown alongside maize. Maize provides energy (carbohydrates), and Khanjaray provides bulk, proteins, and succulence. Together, they create a highly palatable diet for cows, buffaloes, and goats.
To many farmers, it feels like a blessing, as the more the fodder, the healthier the animals. Therefore, the fodder is more than just feed – it is lifeblood for the animals that sustain households.
That’s why farmers often sow it with maize to get a balanced and abundant supply of the fodder to their animals. They favor it because of its high yield, lush greenery, and quick growth, which makes it an affordable and accessible feed source for cattle, goats, and buffaloes.
Science Behind the Danger of the Green Fodder as Livestock Feed with Sudan Grass
While maize is generally safe, the hidden dangers of livestock feed with Sudan Grass, if used at the wrong stage of growth, or harvested too early, or mishandled, can become even more fatal. The pain of this incident of the green fodder for livestock is not unique. Scientists and veterinarians have long studied why sorghum family crops like Sudan Grass can be dangerous at early stages.
1. Hydrocyanic Acid (HCN) Poisoning: Young Sudan grass plants contain high levels of hydrocyanic acid, also known as prussic acid. When animals eat it immature, the acid interferes with oxygen use in their bodies, leading to poisoning and sometimes sudden death.
2. Bloating: Apart from poisoning, the tender, watery leaves of the green fodder for livestock with Sudan Grass ferment rapidly in the rumen (stomach) of cows and buffaloes. Gas builds up faster than it can be released, swelling stomach painfully. This bloating can become fatal if not relieved immediately.
3. Stress Factors: Drought, wilting, or sudden rainfall after dry spells increase HCN levels in the livestock feed with Sudan Grass. Feeding at these times is especially risky. Thus, what seems like a lush green feast for cattle can quickly turn into a trap if farmers are unaware.
Lessons for Farmers:
This tragedy highlights the urgent need for awareness among farmers. With a few preventive measures, we can continue to benefit from Sudan Grass without putting our animals at risk.
1. Do Not Feed Immature livestock feed with Sudan Grass: Wait until the plant is at least 50–60 cm tall before cutting or grazing. At this stage, HCN levels drop, making the fodder safer.
2. Avoid After Drought or Rainfall: Do not feed khanjaray that has regrown after drought stress or right after heavy rainfall. These conditions raise toxin levels.
3. Mix with Other Fodder For Livestock: Always combine Sorghum Sudanese with maize, berseem, or other fodders. Mixing dilutes the risk and prevents animals from overeating one type.
4. Wilting Before Feeding: If possible, cut the fodder and let it wilt in the sun for a few hours before feeding. This reduces harmful compounds and makes digestion easier.
5. Observe Animals Closely: After introducing livestock feed with Sudan Grass, watch livestock for signs of discomfort, bloating, or restlessness. If symptoms appear, seek veterinary help immediately.
A Delicate Balance:
The livestock feed with Sudan Grass, like many gifts of nature, carries both nourishment and risk. It can grow quickly and provide abundant green fodder, but only when handled with care.
Farmers who know when and how to use it enjoy healthy livestock and higher milk yields. Those who ignore its risks may face heartbreak, as we saw in our village.
Conclusion:
The incident of cows suffering after eating immature Sorghum Sudanese is a reminder that farming knowledge must go hand in hand with science. By sharing such stories and spreading awareness, we can prevent future losses. The livestock feed with Sudan Grass is not the enemy – it is a valuable friend of farmers. But like all friendships, it requires understanding and respect.
With proper care, this humble grass can continue to nourish livestock, sustain families, and remain a trusted companion of the farmer’s field. This heartbreaking episode highlighted a reality every farmer must know – when not handled with care, the dangers of livestock feed with Sudan Grass can harm rather than nourish them.
