IF the bales are lightly wet and all mold and mildew has disappeared. Few plants ordinarily have high nitrate content, although small quantities of potassium nitrite are found naturally in many plants. Under certain conditions, however, plants have the ability to accumulate large quantities of nitrates which are potentially toxic to goats. Toxic levels of nitrate are found in common pasture grasses and plants during periods of rapid growth, particularly when warm rains follow a very dry summer. Since soluble sugars are low at this time, nitrite accumulates in the rumen by slowing up the rate of metabolism to ammonia .
Drought increases nitrate concentration in plants.
Crops grown on summer-fallow land often have a higher concentration of nitrates than land which is in continous production, since the latter conditions result in absorption of nitrates as the crops grow. Nitrate poisoning usually occurs within several days after the hay has been moistened by rain, snow, or excessive dampness. The amount and type of fertlizer used on a field, as well as soil type, influences nitrate accumulation. Deaths have also occurred from animals consuming water from shallow wells in certain areas of the Great Plains . Difficulty in breathing is usually the first sign.