– Mark Sulc, OSU Extension Forage Specialist
High nitrates and prussic acid poisoning are a potential concern this time of year with many grasses including sorghum sudangrass.
Livestock owners feeding forage need to keep in mind the potential for some forage toxicities and other problems that can develop this fall. High nitrates and prussic acid poisoning are the main potential concerns. These are primarily an issue with annual forages and several weed species, but nitrates can be an issue even in drought stressed perennial forages. There is also an increased risk of bloat when grazing legumes after a frost.
Nitrate Toxicity
Drought stressed forages can accumulate toxic nitrate levels. This can occur in many different forage species, including both annuals and perennials. Several areas in Ohio have been dry of late. Corn, oat and other small grains, sudangrass, and sorghum sudangrass, and many weed species including johnsongrass can accumulate toxic levels of . . .
Continue reading Precautions for Feeding Frosted and Drought-Stressed Forages