Grain feeding has the additional benefit of providing ruminal energy to stimulate the conversion of nitrate to nontoxic nitrogen compounds. With grazed high nitrate forages, palatable, low nitrate hay or concentrates can be used. Another alternative with grazed forage is to limit grazing for the first 6 to 8 days by increasing the grazing time each day. For example, cattle might be allowed to graze high nitrate forage for 2 hours on the first day and increase by 2 hours each day for 6 days after which cattle could be released full time onto the high nitrate forage. Dilute high nitrate feeds with now nitrate feeds.
Dilution is one method that can be used to help ruminal microorganisms adapt to high nitrate feeds.
Dilution is most effective when the low nitrate feed can be blended or mixed directly with the high nitrate feed. Release cattle in the afternoon when night-time nitrate accumulations have subsided. In addition, avoid grazing shortly after a drought-ending rain. Stock lightly so animals can choose lower nitrate leaves over higher nitrate stems. Provide large quantities of fresh drinking water.