Effects of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides), and fermented and processed fermented millet on Nubian goats.

The effects of Pearl millet, fermented millet, or processed fermented millet were investigated in 15 goats assigned as untreated controls, Pearl millet-fed (166.6g/animal/d), fermented millet-fed (166.6 g/animal/d or 83.3g/animal/d), and processed fermented millet-fed (166.6g/ animal/d). Pearl millet caused goiter within 72-108 d, and changes in thyroid follicles were correlated with clinical manifestations and alterations in serum and tissue iodine and selenium concentrations. Neither fermented nor processed fermented millet produced goiter, but their toxicity was characterized by ruminal bloat, dyspnea, diarrhea, ataxia, and enterohepatonephrotoxicity with death within 5-15 d. Organ lesions correlated with changes in serum enzymes and other serum constituents, hematology, and tissue and serum iodine and selenium concentrations.