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Navigating nitrate risks in livestock forage

Navigating nitrate risks in livestock forage


By Scout Nelson

Nitrate toxicity, a lurking danger for livestock consuming certain forages, is taking center stage in agricultural safety discussions. While not typically a concern in rangelands, pastures spotted with nitrate-accumulating weeds and specific crops pose a significant risk, especially to ruminants, with cattle being particularly vulnerable.

The situation intensifies under drought conditions, although that's not the only culprit. Unexpectedly, prolonged cool, cloudy weather or conditions that stunt photosynthesis, like frost or hail, can also cause nitrates to surge in plants. Choices regarding planting, harvesting, fertilizing, and crop rotations are important in this equation, along with soil type and plant species.

Addressing this, the NDSU Ward County Extension office is offering a lifeline: the Nitrate QuikTest. This tool is crucial for immediate on-site testing of standing forage for nitrates, guiding timely decisions about haying or grazing. If nitrates are detected, a more thorough lab analysis is advised.

NDSU Extension has launched the Nitrate Risk Assessment Program (N-RAP) to address nitrate threats in forages. The program covers lab analysis costs and invites producers to participate for free. Producers provide information on forage management and environmental conditions, enriching statewide data on nitrate buildup.

Paige Brummund, an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension agent, underscores the necessity of grasping the risks of nitrate toxicity and its triggers in plants. Through N-RAP, not only can producers employ these feeds more securely, but the program also garners essential insights on handling nitrate-prone forages effectively.

For more details on sampling and getting involved with N-RAP, contact the Ward County Extension Office at 857-6444 or email paige.f.brummund@ndsu.edu. They stress that understanding and careful attention are crucial for dealing with nitrate levels in livestock feed.

 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde

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