Story: Diseases of sheep, cattle and deer

Nitrate poisoning of cattle

Any new grass has the potential to cause nitrate poisoning, which can occur from half an hour to four hours after starting to graze. A nitrate concentration of more than 0.2% of dry matter can cause this problem. Farmers should avoid putting hungry cows on new pasture, and carefully ration the amount available. If they call a vet as soon as noticing a problem, it can be cured with an intravenous injection.

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How to cite this page:

Gary Clark, Neville Grace and Ken Drew, 'Diseases of sheep, cattle and deer - Cattle poisoning and feed-related diseases', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/17523/nitrate-poisoning-of-cattle (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Gary Clark, Neville Grace and Ken Drew, published 24 Nov 2008