skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump picks former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA; NY group establishes new veterans' direct care program; Following election results, questions emerge about labor impact; Investors and activists both work to shape companies' climate goals.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

GOP leaders say they're ready for President-elect Trump to return to office. President Biden hosts the Israeli president, amid concerns about blocked Gaza aid, and the labor movement assesses the impact of Trump being back in the White House.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Texas women travel some of the longest distances for abortion care, Californians the shortest, rural living comes with mixed blessings for veterans, an ancient technique could curtail climate-change wildfires, and escape divisive politics on World Kindness Day.

Experts warn of dangerous high-nitrate cattle feed

play audio
Play

author Mark Moran, Producer-Editor

 Contact

Monday, October 9, 2023   

Livestock experts are warning farmers about high nitrate content in their cattle feed this fall because of Iowa's prolonged drought.

Farmers typically grind up corn plants - stalks, ears, stems and all - to feed their cattle. It's called silage, and it's a healthy source of protein and other nutrients for the cows.

But extended, severe drought in Iowa has disrupted the biological process that normally converts nitrates into protein in the silage.

Beth Doran, a beef specialist with Iowa State University, said nitrates can be dangerous for the cattle.

"Nearest way to describe this for a consumer is to think of it kind of as carbon monoxide poisoning," said Doran. "The nitrates tie up the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the animal. And so, that can cause problems. It can cause death if it gets too severe."

Doran said typically, moisture would carry the nitrate into the stalk and convert it to protein - which has not happened because of below-average rainfall.

Doran said letting the silage sit for a month or so will allow some of that nitrate to protein conversion to happen organically, a process called fermentation.

But Doran still recommended having the silage tested by a commercial lab before feeding it to cattle, especially young cows.

Doran said letting the silage ferment can reduce the nitrate content by as much as 60%, which then allows farmers to blend it with other low-nitrate feed.

Even though the summer heat has subsided and there has been some rainfall across the state, the moisture can cause almost as much harm as severely dry weather because - Doran said - the corn plant is getting mixed signals from Mother Nature.

"You know, in other words, we start out dry then we got some little rains, then it went back into dry and then we got into rains," said Doran. "That increases the amount of nitrate that can be in that stalk."

Doran said nitrate tolerance ranges with the type and size of cow. Feedlot cattle of more than 700 pounds tend to be more tolerant, and younger animals are less so.



get more stories like this via email

more stories
According to a United Nations 2015 report, food system emissions were responsible for 18 billion tons of carbon dioxide, making up 34% of global emissions. (Pattadis/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Commonwealth News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…


Social Issues

play sound

This weekend, a new coalition called "We Are California" is holding meetings up and down the state, preparing to resist what it sees as anticipated …

Social Issues

play sound

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to confirm his choice of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head the Department of Homeland Security and …


Bobcats are elusive, native predators known for their sharp senses and solitary nature, typically hunting at dawn or dusk. (Adobe stock)

Environment

play sound

Indiana's Department of Natural Resources is pushing a bobcat trapping plan after a new law required a hunting season by 2025. Opponents said the …

Health and Wellness

play sound

A New York group has a new program to help veterans. The Center for Independence of the Disabled New York's Veteran Direct Care program helps …

Virtual power plants, a microgrid connecting renewable energy with smart appliances, costs ratepayers 40% to 60% less than building and maintaining conventional coal or gas-powered plants. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

An electric cooperative supplying power to Western Colorado is pioneering energy independence for homes, businesses and farms. They are creating a …

Social Issues

play sound

As Nebraskans anticipate the upcoming holiday season, some might also be looking ahead to the 2025 tax season, which will include a new tax credit …

Social Issues

play sound

Changes in leadership at the federal level are likely to have some effect on the labor movement. In Minnesota, election results have spurred …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021