By Scout Nelson
North Dakota livestock producers are facing serious water challenges as more than 70% of the state experiences some level of drought. Many water sources are drying up or developing unsafe levels of total dissolved solids and sulfates. As producers haul additional water, safe equipment becomes especially important.
NDSU Extension specialists are urging producers to use tanks, containers, buckets, hoses, troughs, and loaders that are used only for livestock water. Equipment that previously holds fertilizer, pesticides or treated seeds can leave dangerous chemicals behind and create a poisoning risk.
“While they may be convenient, using tanks to haul or supplement water that have previously been used to haul fertilizer or pesticides poses a serious poison risk to cattle, sheep and goats,” said Lacey Quail, North Dakota State University Extension livestock management specialist.
Fertilizers often contain urea or nitrogen. During normal digestion, microbes in ruminant animals convert these substances into ammonia. When animals suddenly consume too much, excess ammonia can enter the body and quickly become toxic.
“Clinical signs of ammonia toxicosis can occur in as little as 20 minutes postexposure in cattle,” said Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian.
Signs can include muscle tremors, stomach pain, frothy saliva, frequent urination, and teeth grinding. Poisoning can progress to weakness, poor coordination, seizures, and breathing problems. Cattle may become restless or aggressive, while sheep may become depressed. Severe cases can result in death within hours. Insecticides can cause similar symptoms.
Early treatment for ammonia poisoning can include vinegar and ice-cold water to slow absorption, along with veterinary care such as fluids and seizure control. In serious cases, surgery may be needed. Insecticide poisoning may require medication, activated charcoal, and supportive treatment.
Prevention is critical because poisoning can develop quickly. Washing or rinsing chemical containers does not make them safe for livestock water use.
USDA’s Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm Raised Fish Program may provide water-hauling assistance in qualifying counties. Information about the ELAP program is available at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/disaster-recovery/emergency-assistance-livestock-honeybees-farm-raised-fish-elap.
North Dakota also offers water supply project assistance for drought-affected livestock producers. Improving water systems can strengthen drought resilience and support livestock health.
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Categories: North Dakota, Livestock