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Nitrate Poisoning of Cattle in Alabama

Darrell Rankins, Donald Ball and, B. G. Ruffin (August, 2004)

Summary

Nitrates accumulate during periods of low soil moisture and high temperature or low humidity. Hay cut during or just after drought periods, however, is always suspect. This is particularly true in cases in which applications of nitrogen were made to forage crops, but little growth was made prior to hay harvest because of lack of moisture. It is important to note that nitrates degrade little with drying or ensiling of forage, and consequently, may cause toxicity months after harvest. This fact sheet details the most susceptible plant species, when to test, symptoms in cattle and treatment.