Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) officials are warning livestock owners against feeding drought-stricken feedstuffs to their animals. During a drought, dangerous levels of nitrates can accumulate in commonly used forages such as corn and sorghum. MDA officials said excessively high levels are likely to occur in forages grown under stress conditions, such as when corn fertilized for high grain yield is stunted by drought and is alternatively harvested for silage. MDA Livestock Specialist Curt Zimmerman said feeding forages with high levels of nitrates can result in lowered milk production, lowered fertility and possible death. “Cattle are much more likely to be affected than sheep or horses and the symptoms of nitrate poisoning appear suddenly,” Zimmerman said. “Young animals are much more sensitive to nitrites than are mature animals of the same species.” Some symptoms of nitrate poisoning include respiratory distress, muscular weakness and loss of coordination. MDA officials advise the best way to prevent problems and economic loss is to avoid feeding drought-stricken forages to livestock. Producers are advised to closely follow nitrate recommendations from the University of Minnesota Extension. Livestock producers in need of hay are urged to take advantage of the “Hay List” – an Internet-based service matching farmers needing forage with those who have forage to sell or donate. The Upper Midwest Hay List is operated by the University of Minnesota Extension Service, in partnership with the extension services of Illinois, Wisconsin and South Dakota. The Web site can be accessed at www.haylist.umn.edu, and there is a link to the site on the MDA homepage at www.mda.state.mn.us.
