Nitrate poisoning occurs most often after snow storms when animals, which have not been able to eat naturally for a day or more, are fed high or marginally high nitrate hay. Cattle that overeat on these feeds when very hungry run the risk of getting too many nitrates in their system, causing death or abortion.
All forages contain nitrates, but they sometimes are present in elevated levels in certain annual grasses such as cane, millet and oat hay. Weeds like kochia, lambsquarter and pigweed also can be high in nitrates and producers should be on alert whenever hay includes these weeds or annual grasses.
Low levels of nitrates are not harmful to cattle because in small amounts nitrates can be excreted or converted into microbial protein in the animal’s rumen.
There are several safe ways high-nitrate feeds can be used, but before selecting a feeding program the nitrate concentration needs to be tested in a laboratory.
Combining grains or low-nitrate forages with high-nitrate feed is one way to be sure cattle won’t experience any ill effects.
Some high-nitrate feeds can be fed safely if given in small frequent portions. This allows cattle to excrete excess nitrates before they become too concentrated in their system.
Animals also can adapt to high-nitrate feeds if the nitrate concentration of their diet increases slowly.
Plenty of clean low nitrate water should always accompany any feeding program that includes a high nitrate feed source.
Nitrate testing is available at several laboratories in Nebraska.
Reminder: Ag Producer Computer Training, February 6 and 13 in Columbus. Call the Extension office with questions or to register.
For more information or assistance, please contact Allan Vyhnalek, Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Extension in Platte County. Phone: 402-563-4901 or e-mail AVYHNALEK2@unl.edu .
