Nitrate toxicity in drought-stressed corn
Drought-stressed crops such as corn and sorghum tend to accumulate high levels of nitrate in the lower leaves and stalk of the plant. It is wise for producers to test their drought-stricken forage prior to harvest.
corn livestock drought stress nitrate toxicity forage testing
Test to prevent nitrate and prussic acid poisoning
Many Kansas cattle operations rely on some type of harvested feed to use in the winter months. Forages in the sorghum family are prone to two different problems for feeding cattle, nitrate poisoning and prussic acid poisoning. Learn about how to test for these and key characteristics of each toxin.
grazing sorghum forage prussic acid nitrate toxicity sudan millet
Testing methods for nitrates in forages
In last week's eUpdate, nitrate and prussic acid poisoning was discussed when feeding cattle certain types of forages. In this follow-up article, we share information on the different tests available and how to collect a representative sample.
fall forage hay prussic acid nitrate toxicity forage testing
Nitrate toxicity in drought-stressed corn and sorghum
Drought-stressed crops such as corn and sorghum tend to accumulate high nitrate levels in the lower leaves and stalk of the plant. Nitrates accumulate when stresses reduce crop yields. Farmers should test their drought-stricken forage prior to harvest. High levels of nitrate can be toxic when fed to livestock.
Test to prevent nitrate and prussic acid poisoning
Many Kansas cattle operations rely on some type of harvested feed to use in the winter months and common among those sources is forage sorghum, millets, sorghum-sudangrass, and sudan. When feeding cattles, forages in the sorghum family are prone nitrate poisoning and prussic acid poisoning. Learn the difference and how to test for these before a problem occurs.
Testing methods for nitrates in forages
When making harvesting or feeding decisions for forages that have potentially accumulated nitrates, our tendency is to want immediate answers. Laboratory analysis is by far the best test of nitrate toxicity. Two types of quick tests exist, and it is important to understand the limitations of these tests when considering their use.
Managing forages after a hard freeze
Freezing temperatures change plant metabolism and composition, and different forage species respond differently to cold stress. Damaging frosts significantly reduce forage quality in most forage species and can create possible feeding-related issues for livestock.
Test for nitrates in failed wheat before grazing
Due to prolonged extreme drought conditions, many wheat stands across Kansas are thin and short. Some producers are deciding to graze out their wheat due to very low yield potential. Under certain environmental conditions, cereal grains like wheat and oats, can accumulate potentially toxic nitrate levels.
Nitrate toxicity in drought-stressed corn and sorghum
Drought-stressed crops such as corn and sorghum tend to accumulate high nitrate levels in the lower leaves and stalk of the plant. It is wise for producers to test their drought-stricken forage prior to harvest. Levels of nitrates can increase in drought-stressed plants after a rain and delaying harvest may be beneficial.
Managing forages after a hard freeze
Freezing temperatures change plant metabolism and composition, and different forage species respond differently to cold stress. Depending on plant species, these changes in metabolism resulting from freezing temperatures can create possible feeding-related animal disorders. Learn more about managing forages after a freeze in this article.