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Nitrate Poisoning Alert
May 17, 2017
A case of nitrate poisoning was seen today where one cow died and four cows had to be treated.
This classic case involved the following:
- Cows hungry – previous break was grazed down to 1000-1200 KgDM/Ha
- Annual ryegrass at 2800 KgDM/Ha, therefore raidly growing after previously having been nipped off by young stock
- Urea applied 7 days previously
- Grey, overcast day. Rapid growth recently, therefore leading to a build up of nitrate in the plant
- Hungry cows consumed high nitrate content grass in a short period of time.
TAKE HOME MESSAGES
- Avoid hungry cows going onto potentially dangerous pasture. Rapid intake of even moderately dangerous grass can cause problems. In contrast, cattle grazed ad-lib on high nitrate content grass, when they are constantly full, will be less likely to have toxicity issues.
- Have pasture tested for nitrate content prior to grazing.
- Keep a close eye on cows after grazing (usually 4-6 hours after intake).
For advice on your farm’s situation, to order and on-farm nitrate test kit, or if you would like to bring in a sample for one of our staff to check the level for you, please phone the clinic on 07 888 8197.