NSW DPI analytical chemist Richard Meyer said feed quality testing of nitrate levels in hay and silage from failed crops is critical to manage feeding and avoid stock losses.

HAY from failed crops with high nitrate levels could be kill livestock this year, recent testing data from the NSW Department of Primary Industries has shown.

NSW DPI testing of canola samples in the past two months has shown a small percentage had toxic nitrate levels that could cause livestock deaths.

A number of suspected and confirmed cases of deaths due to nitrate poisoning have been reported across NSW in the last 12 months.

NSW DPI analytical chemist, Richard Meyer, said up to 25pc of failed crops tested in the past week had nitrate levels which pose a health risk to stock.

“The NSW DPI Feed Quality Service in Wagga Wagga has been bombarded with four times as many samples as normal from farmers making hay and silage out of failed crops.

“Tests show these canola hay and silage products can be highly nutritious, in terms of energy and protein, but can also have high nitrate levels,” Mr Meyer said.

“Our message is that these products can represent good value for feeding, but nitrate testing is critical to identify problem lots and avoid stock losses.

“While the majority of samples tested have been canola, we have seen elevated nitrate levels in some samples from failed cereal crops,” he said.

“Individual animals and mobs vary in their susceptibility to nitrate but as a guide, levels above 5000 parts per million (ppm) can cause health issues and levels above 10,000 ppm are a risk of causing deaths when fed to stock.

“Producers should ask for feed test results when they buy hay or silage, including nitrate levels,” Mr Meyer said.

“Feed with higher nitrate levels must be managed, and stock should not eat it as their total ration when they are hungry.”

Of 360 canola samples tested between September and October this year, 25pc were above 5000 ppm and 8 pc of those were above 10,000 ppm, a point where toxicity can cause deaths. Tests in the past month have shown one crop with nitrate levels of 45,000 ppm and several above 20,000 ppm.  Average energy and protein values were 9.7 MJ/kg and 15.5pc crude protein.

NSW DPI research officer John Piltz said there is no evidence high protein content is a predictor of nitrate content and data from this year’s canola shows no such relationship exists.

“While silage is normally considered safer because the fermentation process reduces nitrate levels, this applies to fine-chop silage.

“If crop nitrate levels are very high then ensiling may not be enough to make it safe,” he said.

“Baled silage is drier, with less fermentation, so the reduction in nitrate may not be as great.”

Data from last year’s feed tests of recovered canola showed only a low to modest reduction in nitrates in silages compared with hays. There is no change in nitrate levels in hay over time.

DPI said producers should exercise caution when grazing failed crops. Canola nitrate levels in the stem can be 10 times higher than in the leaf, so stock should not be forced to graze canola stems, unless safe. Cattle may also be more susceptible than sheep because they are less selective grazers.

NSW DPI also advised producers to contact their veterinarian or Local Land Services livestock officer for advice on how to manage high nitrate levels and livestock.

Additional support and information is available from NSW DPI here. To contact the Feed Quality Service call 1800 675 623 or click here.

The NSW Government offers drought subsidies for transport of fodder, moving livestock and water infrastructure, which can be backdated to 1 January 2018, to support eligible NSW farmers. Click here for more details.

Source: NSW DPI.