Nitrates have been reported to increase the need for vitamin A in the ration. Recent information indicates that a relationship of this kind may not be of practical importance under most feeding conditions. Formulate rations to be adequate in vitamin A as well as other nutrients. A fortification does not appear to be needed. Hay, straw or fodder suspected of being high in nitrate should not be fed when damp.
Damp feed seems to be more toxic.
The probable explanation is that some of the nitrate is converted to the more toxic nitrite before being consumed. Summary Nitrate poisoning can be a serious problem for livestock producers if not considered in their management plan. Drought, excessive soil nitrogen, shade, frost, certain herbicides, acid soils, low growing temperatures and nutrient deficiencies can contribute to high nitrate levels in plants. Stems usually have higher nitrate content than leaves. Do not overlook the nitrate content of water when a nitrate problem arises.