Alternative livestock feed in drought areas can prove dangerous

Extreme to exceptional drought conditions across Oklahoma dried up much of the hay and forage crops needed to keep cattle herds healthy through the winter.

Not only are food sources scarce, experts say, the forage available could be toxic to livestock. The combination of drought and unseasonably hot weather boosts nitrate levels in sorghum, corn and other forage crops, and can be deadly.

Andy Qualls, Muskogee County Conservation District technician, said rapidly developing drought conditions causes a rapid uptake of nitrogen. When temperatures exceed 95 degrees, plant growth is stunted. As a result, stored nitrogen becomes trapped in the plants. Read more…