This summer, a producer lost 14 cows and many of the other cows completely quit milking. If, after forage analysis, you are faced with utilizing a feed, higher in nitrates than you would like, there are several factors you should consider. First, ease the transition of animals onto the high nitrate feeds. Animals that are adapted to high nitrate diets generally are not as prone to exhibit problems as non adapted animals. Make sure rations are balanced to meet performance expectations.
Nutritional deficiencies increase the likelihood of animals to exhibit nitrate toxicity.
Also, take special precautions to not stress livestock on high nitrate feeds. Stress often increases the occurrence of nitrate problems. Finally, dilute the high nitrate feeds and you will likely be able to utilize the feedstuff with minimal risks associated with the nitrate hazard. Edited by Mylen Bohle Ryegrass Pastures and Sporidesmin Facial eczema is a dermal condition that affects cattle, sheep, and farmed deer. Facial eczema is caused by spores of a fungus Pithomyces chatarum producing a toxin called sporidesmin.