Forage Nitrate Testing

Published: 2022
By Ken Nelson

Last summer's severe drought, followed by a continued lack of precipitation, produced continued concerns of high nitrate levels in forage produced in the area. High nitrates in feed can be toxic to livestock. From January through October, approximately 130 forage samples were tested for nitrate content in the McCone County MSU Extension office. In addition, approximately 25 forage samples were sent in through MSU Extension to forage testing labs for nutrient analysis as well as nitrate content testing. Of the samples tested, approximately 28% contained nitrates at a level that required special management. With high nitrate levels, producers were given advice on how to mix and blend those forages with other feeds to safely utilize them. In some cases with excessively high nitrate content, producers were advised NOT to feed those forages. In one situation, a local producer experienced the loss of several cows in late winter to forage nitrate poisoning. With a very limited amount of hay remaining, the producer brought several samples to MSU Extension to be tested for each day's feeding to prevent further losses. For any samples with potentially-toxic nitrate levels, advice was given on how to blend them with other low nitrate content feeds.