Jenifer Heyden, a livestock extension specialist from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture joins me again on the podcast to discuss high nitrate levels in feeds and how to prevent nitrate toxicity in your cow herd. We discuss the details on the clinical signs of nitrate toxicity and how to interpret a feed test for nitrate levels as well.

00:00 – Opportunity to participate in Cow-calf Health and Productivity Enhancement Network

02:07 – Welcome and introductions

04:00 – Feed sources that might have issues with nitrates

05:53 - Drought and plant stress affecting nitrate levels

06:53 – How does nitrate toxicity occur and what are clinical signs?

11:40 – Difficulties in the treatment of acute nitrate toxicity

10:23 – Confirmation of diagnosis and possibility of treating cases of lead toxicity

12:26 – Prevention of nitrate toxicity

14:03 – Understanding a feed test for nitrates

17:10 – Utilizing feeds with higher nitrate levels

20:35 – Advice for producers that might have high nitrate feeds

23:00 – Wrap up

Saskatchewan Agriculture Website on Nitrate Toxicity https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/livestock/animal-health-and-welfare/nitrate-toxicity

Canadian Cow-Calf Health and Productivity Enhancement Network (C3H-PEN) Contact: Jayce Fossen, Project Coordinator c3h.pen@usask.ca 306-966-7870