Wade Whiteman, Richland County Extension Agent

This last week we have fielded more questions about nitrates than ever before. With grains drying out and pastures being in poor conditions, grazing grains such as wheat, barley, oats and peas has been one possible way to extend pastures. One should be concerned with nitrates when whenever grazing these crops.

Grazing Droughted Cereal Grains Grazing grains that have been stressed through drought, hail or any other natural stress is going to be risky for grazing. Most times grains that have not headed out or will not due to drought will not be suitable for grazing. This is due to the animal consuming the entire plant, therefore consuming the lowest node of the plant where nitrates pool.

Grazing grains that have headed out on the other hand will not pose as much of a risk. During grazing the bottom portion of the plant will be left in the ground. You will still run the risk of nitrate poisoning, just not as high. The bottom line is that the grains will still need to be tested. There have been reports in Richland County this last week of nitrate poisoning during grazing. Please take the time to get your crops tested!!

Haying of Grain Hay

Haying of cereal grains is very common for this region. We commonly see samples from barley, wheat, and oats. With hay being at an all time shortage, it is tempting to push the limits in nitrate levels. With the adverse weather conditions we have seen, it is highly recommended to test your cereal grain hay.

Symptoms of Nitrate Poisoning

Cereal grains naturally contain nitrates. In the plant nitrates are broken down to nitrites and then to ammonia. When the forage has an elevated amount of nitrates, the blood becomes overloaded with nitrites, not allowing the transportation of oxygen in the blood. Once a cow has toxic levels, there is little chance of recovering. Death can occur as soon as one half hour after first symptoms. Some symptoms include painful breathing, cyanotic membranes, rapid breathing, muscle tremors, weakness, low tolerance to exercise, incoordination, diarrhea, frequent urination, dark- to chocolate-colored blood and collapse. Milk production may also be reduced.

Producers should never assume that they do not have high nitrate levels if the crop was exposed to any adverse growing conditions. The nitrate quick test is free to the producer and will give you an idea of your risk. If a crop shows high risk, I will send it off to the lab to have it quantitatively tested. By lab testing the levels of nitrates you will be able to measure the level of nitrates and risk of feeding it. Feel free to call in to the office (433-1206) to get your hay tested for free.