Home / The CountryWaikato DairyNZ Farmwatch: Nitrate poisoning risk increaseThe Country22 Apr, 2024 04:30 PMQuick ReadSubscribe to listenAccess to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Sign in hereListening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech.SaveShareShare this articleCopy LinkEmailFacebookTwitter/XLinkedInRedditEvery year DairyNZ sees preventable deaths due to nitrate poisoning. Photo / DairyNZEvery year DairyNZ sees preventable deaths due to nitrate poisoning. Photo / DairyNZCOMMENTBy DairyNZAs cooler overcast conditions arrive, the risk of nitrate poisoning rises, particularly with new grass. Unfortunately, every year we see preventable deaths due to nitrate poisoning. Very cold, or wet overcast conditions can limit the ability of rapidly growing young grasses and cereals to convert nitrates to protein. AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.When consumed, these are converted to nitrites which reduce the ability of the blood to carry oxygen - and can lead to the rapid death of the animal.Test kits are available at your vet’s - if nitrate levels are above 1 per cent do not feed. Sunshine will reduce nitrate levels as the plants photosynthesise.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.Do not put stock onto high-risk feeds with an empty belly, and monitor them for symptoms.These can appear anywhere between one to four hours after starting grazing and include, lethargy, panting, gasping for breath, salivating and looking ‘drunk’. DairyNZ Farmwatch for week ending April 19.Call your vet immediately.For more information see https://www.dairynz.co.nz/animal/cow-health/nitrate-poisoning/, or talk to your vet.SaveShareShare this articleCopy LinkEmailFacebookTwitter/XLinkedInRedditLatest from The CountryThe CountryAll Blacks and Warriors weather report on The Country12 Sep 01:52 AMThe CountryForest guardians reject use of GMOs11 Sep 10:42 PMThe CountryHerald NOW is joined by Jamie Mackay to discuss the headlines in rural newsWatch11 Sep 08:52 PMSponsoredKiwi campaign keeps on giving07 Sep 12:00 PMAdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
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