G74-170 Nitrates in Livestock Feeding (Revised July 1996)

Authors

Richard J. Rasby, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Norman Schneider, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

1974

Comments

© 1974-1996, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Most forages contain some nitrates. When feeds containing nitrates are consumed by ruminants, nitrates are changed in the rumen to ammonia that is then converted by bacteria in the rumen into microbial protein. Nitrates are not always toxic to animals.

This NebGuide describes signs, causes, prevention and treatment of nitrate poisoning in livestock.