Quick Facts
- Death loss from nitrate is an occasional problem in cattle consuming certain annual forages, particularly sorghum hybrids
- Cattle producers should be concerned if rations contain over 5,000 ppm nitrate on a dry matter basis
- Avoid poisoning with good management practices
- A qualitative check called the diphenylamine test can be used to screen forages for potential harm
- High nitrate forages can be used if diluted with other feedstuffs and supplemented with energy