Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach reminds cattle feeders of the risk for nitrate toxicity in drought-stressed corn as some farmers are in the field chopping silage. According to Extension Beef Specialist Beth Doran, potentially hazardous levels of nitrates for cattle can accumulate in the portion of the stalk nearest to the ground. She recommends feeders test their silage using a commercial testing laboratory before using it in their feedlots. High nitrate levels can be corrected by mixing the silage with grass, hay, or other low-nitrate feedstuffs. Doran says producers can also reduce nitrate toxicity risks by raising their cutter bar as high as possible, harvesting at the proper moisture levels, allowing at least four weeks for fermentation, and gradually introducing cattle to feed silage. Links to more information about nitrate toxicity can be found included with this story on our website.
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